Impact of Implantation Depth on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacemtnt (TAVR) is an established therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis irrespective of surgical risk.1 Despite advancements in valve designs and alterations in procedural techniques, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after TAVR remains a challenge. Recent reports have identified implantation depth (ID) below the annular plane as a potentially modifiable factor associated with hemodynamic outcomes and PPMI after TAVR.2,3 However, there remain concerns with procedural failure and complications associated with valve embolization and suboptimal postimplantation gradients associated with a higher valve position.