Management of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Complex Aorta Anatomy: The Importance of Pre-Procedural Planning

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 14;19(8):4763. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19084763.

Abstract

Aortic stenosis is the most common primary valve lesion requiring surgery or, especially for older patients, transcatheter intervention (TAVI). We showcase a successful transfemoral TAVI procedure in a very high-risk patient and an extremely tortuous S-shaped descending aorta, characterized by heavy calcifications and multiple strong resistance points. We demonstrated that transfemoral TAVI using the "buddy stiff guidewire" technique could be a feasible, simple, quick, and easy procedure able to straighten an extremely abdominal aorta tortuosity. With all techniques available and careful pre-procedural planning, and thanks to the flexibility of new generation TAVI delivery systems, it is possible to safely perform the procedure even in the most challenging patients.

Keywords: S-shaped Aorta; aorta tortuosity; buddy wire technique; transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis* / surgery
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement*
  • Treatment Outcome