When we should say no to TAVR-Defining the line between utility and futility.

Abstract

History of prior coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is a frequent scenario encountered in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis deemed inoperable and referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Aside from indices of frailty and other comorbidities, these patients remain at higher risk for peri-operative mortality and morbidity compared to their counterparts without prior CABG. Presence of concomitant peripheral arterial disease and patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft pose further access related challenges. We present a case of an 84-year-old female with prior CABG and severe PAD who underwent transapical TAVR for severe symptomatic AS sustaining an acute myocardial injury from damage to her apical epicardial collateral circulation. The case entails the importance of recognition of epicardial coronary collateralization where a transapical approach is best avoided or further aided by utilization of peri-procedural angiographic/fluoroscopy guidance to avoid epicardial vascular injury.