[Percutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation: What Should We Know?]

Abstract

In 2002, Alan Cribier revolutionized interventional cardiology by implanting the first transcatheter aortic valve (TAVI) in a man with symptomatic, inoperable severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Aim: To generate a didactic review of the current literature on AS and TAVI.

Method: Qualitative study through a narrative review of the historical perspective, prevalence, and diagnosis of AS, devices currently available for TAVI, and basic considerations on the technique, evidence-based patient selection, and possible complications.

Results: Severe AS and TAVI have a lot of evidence in all the scenarios studied, with evident and explosive growth. The well-established diagnosis by echocardiogram can be supported in certain circumstances by other imaging techniques that can clarify ambiguities. Adequate patient assessment and planning will always be the fundamental pillar for the success of the technique, which has a wide range of devices that must be chosen according to the patient's needs, and implanted by a trained team to ensure quality and safety.

Conclusions: 22 years after the first TAVI, we have a minimally invasive procedure that has established itself as a safe and effective alternative to surgical valve replacement.