Transapical Approach Research Articles

Transcatheter transseptal mitral valve implantation with Edwards SAPIEN 3: the first experience of a single center.

In recent years, there has been a clear trend towards increased mitral bioprosthetic valve surgery in comparison to mechanical prostheses [1]. According to the ESC Guidelines mitral bioprostheses are recommended for patients > 70 years old or those with a life expectancy lower than the presumed durability of the bioprosthesis (class IIa/C). Importantly, the guidelines also recognize the prominence of quality of life after cardiosurgery and focus on patients’ preferences (class Ic), especially if long-term anticoagulation is nonoptimal (class Ic) [2]. Structural deterioration of mitral bioprostheses (structural valve deterioration – SVD) is the main limitation for their use. The average lifespan of a bioprosthetic valve is estimated at 16 years and the reoperation due to SVD affects as many as 75% of patients after a 20-year follow-up [3, 4]. Reoperation is usually associated with high risk of complications and mortality [5, 6]. The alternative option is transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI), especially in patients with high surgical risk. TMVI is indicated in patients with a degenerated mitral bioprosthesis or mitral regurgitation after mitral annuloplasty rings. The results of TMVI have been reported in registries and single-center or case reports [7–10]. Technically, TMVI is feasible via a transapical approach or through venous access and atrial septum puncture. The transapical approach has been dominant in TMVI as it was well tried in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures. The transseptal approach is technically more demanding yet due to lesser invasiveness it may lead to superior early and late treatment effects [8]. The latest American registry STS/ACC/TVT reports similar prevalence of TMVI procedures with both approaches [7].

A step-by-step guide to transseptal valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement.

With the recent success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcatheter options for the management of mitral valve pathology have also gained considerable attention. Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is one such technique that has emerged as a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with degenerated mitral valve bioprostheses at high-risk for repeat surgical mitral valve replacement. Several access strategies, including trans-apical, transseptal, trans-jugular, and trans-atrial access have been described for ViV-TMVR. Initial experiences were performed primarily via a trans-apical approach through a left mini-thoracotomy because it offers direct access and coaxial device alignment. With the advancements in TMVR technology, such as the development of smaller delivery catheters with high flexure capabilities, the transseptal approach via the femoral vein has emerged as the preferred option. This technique offers the advantages of a totally percutaneous approach, avoids the need to enter the thoracic cavity or pericardial space, and provides superior outcomes compared to a trans-apical approach. In this review, we outline key aspects of patient selection, imaging, procedural techniques, and examine contemporary clinical outcomes of transseptal ViV-TMVR.

TAVR for severe aortic stenosis and papillary fibroelastoma in a high-risk setting.

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFE) are rare benign cardiac tumours mainly originating on aortic and mitral valvular surfaces. Management is individualised, but most recommend surgical excision due to thromboembolic risk. We report a 75-year-old man with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis compounded by PFE. Redo sternotomy aortic valve replacement was deferred in favour of the trans-apical (TAVR) approach. This report highlights, for the first time, the application of TAVR as a strategy for aortic valve stenosis and PFE to mitigate risk posed by injury to patent internal mammary arterial graft in close proximity to the manubrium, and complications due to the patient's multiple comorbidities.

Unusual Cause of Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm

Closed mitral valvotomy (CMV) became an accepted surgical procedure to open a stenotic mitral valve (MV) about 50 years ago. CMV is performed through an incision in the left atrial appendage. Tubbs dilator is passed in to the left ventricle via the apex and then advanced retrogradely through the stenosed MV and is then opened within the orifice to split the commissures. The dilator is then removed and the orifice closed. Incisional left ventricular pseudo aneurysm has been described as a rare complication of this technique. Here we encountered a similar scenario. Percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy has virtually replaced CMV. But with the expanding use of the transapical approach to treat a variety of structural heart diseases, especially transcutaneous aortic valve replacement, one is likely to encounter similar complications in the modern era also.

The Effect of a Novel Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair Device in a Porcine Model of Mitral Regurgitation.

A new technique has been developed for treating mitral regurgitation (MR) via a transapical approach, which encompasses an easy-to-use leaflet clamp and a smaller-sized delivery system (14F-16F). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in a porcine model of acute MR. Acute MR was induced in 36 anesthetized porcine subjects by severing the chordae supporting the corresponding segment of the leaflet. The ValveClamp system was then transapically implanted on the prolapsing segment under epicardial echocardiographic guidance. Echocardiographic assessments were performed before and after the transapical interventions. All of the animals were killed 30 days after the procedure to verify the proper location of the implanted devices. Epicardial echocardiography revealed severe MR (n = 26) or moderate to severe MR (n = 10) in the pig model of acute MR. Overt MR reduction was observed following the procedure through echocardiography; residual MR was absent in 10 cases, mild in 17 cases, and moderate in 9 cases. There was no evidence of mitral stenosis at the end of the procedure in terms of mitral valve area and mitral valve pressure gradient. Autopsy demonstrated that all ValveClamp devices were precisely placed to clamp the prolapsing segment of the mitral valve. Transapical implantation of the ValveClamp device under epicardial echocardiographic guidance was effective and safe in reducing acutely induced MR in this pig model. It is potentially applicable as a novel user-friendly transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair device for the treatment of MR in humans.

Cardiac damage grading in patients with aortic stenosis using multi-detector computed tomography and the impact on prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve intervention

Abstract Introduction A staging of severe aortic stenosis (AS) based on additional extra-valvular cardiac damage has been associated with prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) has a central role in the evaluation of AS patients undergoing TAVI and can detect extra-valvular cardiac damage. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic implications of an MDCT staging system of severe AS in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods Patients who underwent full-beat MDCT prior to TAVI were included. Patients with intra-cardiac devices, prior valvular surgery, and insufficient image quality were excluded. The extent of cardiac damage was assessed by MDCT and classified into following 5 groups; stage 0 (no cardiac damage), stage 1 (left ventricular damage), stage 2 (left atrium and mitral valve damage), stage 3 (right atrial damage), stage 4 (right ventricular damage). The primary end-point was all-cause mortality. Results A total of 405 patients (80±7 years, 52% men) were stratified according to the MDCT staging system: 27 (7%) were in stage 0, 96 (24%) in stage 1, 152 (38%) in stage 2, 78 (19%) in stage 3, and 52 (13%) in stage 4 (left panel). During follow-up (median 3.7 years, IQR: 1.7–5.5 years), 150 (37%) died (right panel). On multivariable analysis, cardiac damage stage, presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NYHA ≥3, eGFR, and transapical approach were independently associated with all-cause mortality. When evaluating each stage, stage 3 (HR: 4.725, P=0.033) and stage 4 (HR 5.678, P=0.018) were independently associated with worse outcomes as compared to the other stages. Conclusion MDCT-based staging system of severe AS identifies the patients who are at higher risk of death after TAVI. MDCT staging and the mortality Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): ESC research grant

Redo aortic valve intervention after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Analysis of the nationwide readmission database

BackgroundOutcomes of redo aortic valve intervention (AVI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have not been well described. We thought to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of redo AVI after TAVR. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmission Database (from 2012 to 2017) was queried to identify admissions for TAVR. Redo AVI was defined as readmissions that required either TAVR or balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). A multivariable regression model was used to identify independent predictors of redo AVI. In-hospital outcomes of redo TAVR or BAV and redo SAVR were compared in the unadjusted model. ResultsA total of weighted 148,200 (unweighted redo AVI 297, no redo AVI 73,804) index TAVRs were identified. A weighted 593 (435 TAVR or BAV and 158 SAVR) redo AVI was included with an incidence of 1.0 per 100 person-year during a median of 105 (interquartile range 41–195) days follow-up. Predictors of redo AVI were female, heart failure, obesity, atrial fibrillation, transapical approach, oral anticoagulant use, and acute kidney injury. In-hospital mortality of redo AVI was 7.6% (5.3% for redo TAVR or BAV vs. 13.8% for redo SAVR, unadjusted p = 0.10). Stroke, myocardial infarction, bleeding requiring transfusion, new pacemaker, and acute kidney injury rates were 4.7%, 2.6%, 9.3%, 10.0%, and 31.2%, respectively in redo AVI. Length of stay and hospital cost was 4.8 days and 55,826 U.S. dollars, respectively. ConclusionsThe incidence of redo AVI was low following TAVR but was associated with high mortality and morbidities.

Transapical approach versus transcervical approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a retrospective monocentric study.

Transfemoral approach is the standard access-route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, alternative approaches are needed in a number of patients and accesses such as transapical (TA) TAVR or transcervical (TC) are used. We aimed to compare clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after TA-TAVR or TC-TAVR. All patients who underwent TA- and TC-TAVR for severe aortic stenosis in our institution between 2008 and 2020 were retrospectively included. End points included 30-day all-cause mortality, procedural complications (according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria), procedure duration, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and overall hospital LOS. For 30-day all-cause mortality, we furthermore used a Cox proportional-hazards model to adjust for significant between-group differences in baseline characteristics as well as difference in year of intervention. TAVR was performed in 176 patients, using a TA approach (n = 127) or a TC approach (n = 49). Baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups, except age and peripheral artery disease. All-cause 30-day mortality rates were not significantly different (8.5% in the TA group vs 2.3% in the TC group, P = 0.124). TC approach was associated with significantly shorter procedure duration {71.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 52.5-101.0] vs 93 [IQR 80.0-120.0] min, P < 0.001}, shorter ICU LOS [0.0 (IQR 0.0-0.0) vs 1.0 (IQR 1.0-3.0) days, P < 0.001] and shorter hospital LOS [7.0 (IQR 5.0-9.5) vs 14.0 (IQR 10.0-22.0) days, P < 0.001]. The TC approach may be a good first-choice alternative in case of contraindications to transfemoral-TAVR.

Early Experience With a Novel Transfemoral Mitral Valve Implantation System in Complex Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, procedural results, and 6-month outcomes of a novel transfemoral transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) system (Cephea) in patients with complex primary mitral regurgitation (MR). TMVI is emerging as an alternative to surgery in patients with severe MR. To date, the great majority of TMVI systems use the transapical surgical approach. This study included consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TMVI with the Cephea valve system. All patients were suboptimal candidates for catheter-based repair for anatomic reasons. Patients underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and computed tomographic angiographic follow-up at 6months. Main outcomes were procedural success, peri-procedural complications, and valve hemodynamic status early and at 6-month follow-up. Three patients with severe primary MR (2 women, mean age 79 ± 3 years) at prohibitive surgical risk (mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score 13.8 ± 2.4%) were included. The valves were successfully implanted in all patients, with no procedural complications. Post-procedural echocardiography showed normal valve function in all patients (mean transvalvular gradient 3mmHg; range: 2 to 4mmHg), no moderate to severe valvular or paravalvular leak, and no clinically significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. At 6months, all patients had improved quality of life (mean improvement vs. baseline 16.4 ± 12 points). All valve hemodynamic parameters were maintained. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed annular stability, proper valve geometry and no structural failure. The transfemoral delivery of a purposely designed mitral prosthesis (Cephea valve) was safe and feasible in prohibitive risk patients. Valve performance was sustained, and clinical outcomes improved at 6months.Larger clinical studies are required.

Improved Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic regurgitation using a new-type stent: the first preclinical experience

BackgroundIn this study, we sought to evaluate the feasibility of improved transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in noncalcified aortic valve by using the novel concept of double-layer ChenValve prosthesis. TAVI was initially considered as an alternative treatment for high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. However, non noncalcified aortic valve disease was considered as a contraindication to TAVI.MethodsChenValve prosthesis, which consisted of a self-expanding Nitinol ring, a balloon-expandable cobalt-chromium alloy stent and a biological valve, was implanted at the desired position under fluoroscopic guidance in a transapical approach through a 20F sheath in 10 goats. Aortic angiography was performed to measure the diameter of the aotic annulus and assess the performance of the artificial valve. The ultrasound was used to evaluate the regurgitation or paravalvular leakage and trans-prosthetic vascular flow velocity postoperatively. The aortogram and transthoracic echocardiography were applied to observe whether the valve stent was implanted at the desired position.ResultsChenValve prosthesis was successfully transppical implanted in all animals. The aortogram and transthoracic echocardiography performed immediately after implantation revealed that the valve stent was implanted at the desired position. There was no significant paravalvular leakage, obstruction of coronary artery ostia, stent malpositioning or dislodgement occurred.ConclusionsThis preliminary trial with the novel double-layer ChenValve prosthesis demonstrated the feasibility of improved TAVI in noncalcified aortic valve. The mechanism of Nitinol ring-guided locating the aortic sinus enables us to anatomically correct position the artifact valve. This improved strategy seems to make the TAVI process more safe and repeatable in noncalcified aortic valve.

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a novel system: preclinical results.

BackgroundThis preclinical study in sheep sought to demonstrate the initial safety and feasibility of a novel transcatheter mitral valve system (Mi-thos valve) composed of a self-expanding frame and a bovine pericardial tissue bioprosthesis.MethodsThe valve was implanted in 26 sheep using a transapical approach for short- and long-term evaluation. The technical feasibility, safety, durability, and valve function were evaluated during and 6 months after the procedure using intracardiac and transthoracic echocardiography, multisliced computed tomography, histological analysis, and electron microscopy.ResultsThe success rate of valve implantation was 100%, and the immediate survival rate after surgery was 84%. Five animals died within 90 min after the development of the prosthetic valve due to an acute left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 2) and sudden intraoperative ventricular fibrillation (n = 3). Twelve animals died within 1 month due to acute left heart dysfunction. Mild (n = 5) and moderate (n = 2) paravalvular leakage occurred in seven animals, and two moderate PVL animals died of chronic heart failure within three months. Multimodality imaging studies of the remaining seven animals showed excellent function and alignment of the valves, with no coronary artery obstruction, no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, no severe transvalvular gradients and no paravalvular leakage. Macroscopic evaluation demonstrated stable, secure positioning of the valve, with full endothelialization of the valve leaflets without injury to the ventricular or atrial walls. Histological and electron microscopic examinations at six months showed no obvious macro- or microcalcification in the leaflets.ConclusionsPreclinical studies indicate that transcatheter implantation of the Mi-thos valve is technically safe and feasible. The durability, functionality, and lack of leaflet calcification were all verified in animal experiments. The information from these preclinical studies will be applied to patient selection criteria and the first-in-human studies.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: Procedural Planning, Utility, and Applicability.

Since the first native transcatheter mitral valve implantation in 2012, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has expanded its use to degenerated bioprostheses, failed annuloplasty ring repair, and mitral annular calcification. However, high-screen failure rates in trials have persisted due to predicted left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and unfavorable anatomy. Preprocedural planning in this patient population with multidetector computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography is paramount to intraprocedural success. In patients with favorable left ventricular outflow tract anatomy who are not surgical candidates, the transseptal approach is preferred. In those who are surgical candidates, TMVR can be performed via a transapical or transatrial approach. Currently, a plethora of TMVR devices targeting the native mitral pathologies are undergoing clinical trials. Data have consistently shown the greatest benefit of this procedure in native mitral regurgitation and failed bioprostheses rather than failed annuloplasty rings or mitral annular calcification. With technological advancement and careful patient selection, this therapy will serve as a complement to surgical and TMV repair and will continue to expand to address MV diseases in a broader patient population.

Transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement

The review presents current data transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement, which is becoming an alternative method of managing mitral valve disease. Despite the fact that the transapical transcatheter approach is technically simpler, the transseptal method is less invasive. It has confirmed effectiveness and is predicted to be the most promising. The review describes the relevance, indications, methodology for selecting the required endoprosthesis, stages of procedure, complications, and the postoperative follow-up of patients. The results of publications on transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement are analyzed. A case report is given.

Double transcatheter balloon-expandable valve implantation for severe valve dysfunction in high-risk patients: initial experience.

Concomitant valvular heart valve disease is a frequent finding, with higher morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing redo surgical procedures. Our goal was to report our initial experience with combined transcatheter Inovare bioprosthesis implants for severe valve dysfunction. Among 300transcatheter procedures, a total of 6 patients had concurrent simultaneous transcatheter bioprosthesis implants for severe mitral bioprosthesis failure (valve-in-valve), with a second valve procedure that included native aortic (n = 2) or degenerated bioprostheses in the aortic position (n = 4). During the procedures, all patients were treated with a balloon-expandable Inovare transcatheter valve, using the transapical approach. Patients were highly symptomatic [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV: 100%], with a mean age of 62 ± 5 years, yielding a mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk II (EuroSCORE II) of 24.0 ± 10.1%. There was a mean of 1.6 ± 0.4 prior valve operations/patient, with a median time from prior mitral bioprosthesis surgery of 13.0 (9.2-20.0) years. Device success was 100% according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium and the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. During the hospital stay, only 1 patient required dialysis, and the median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 5.0 (3.2-6.7) days and 16.0 (12.2-21.2) days, respectively. No deaths occurred at 30 days; at a median follow-up of 287 (194-437) days, 1 patient died of a non-cardiac cause and the rest of patients were in NYHA functional class I or II, with normofunctioning bioprostheses. Transcatheter double valve interventions using the Inovare bioprosthesis in this initial series were shown to be a reasonable alternative to redo surgical operations. The short- and mid-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes demonstrate promising results, although future studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are warranted.

Multimodality imaging of left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm after apical approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare complication of transapical approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement. It can cause chest pain and shortness of breath or remain asymptomatic. Mortality rate is high, and therefore, timely diagnosis and management are essential. Different imaging modalities can provide anatomic or functional information and are essential for the primary diagnosis or during follow-up.

Transapical Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Midventricular Obstruction

Midventricular obstruction (MVO) is an uncommon variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In patients receiving septal myectomy for HCM, failure to recognize the concurrent MVO in the context of basal septum thickening can lead to inadequate excision and residual gradient. In this report, we detail the operative outcomes of MVO with and without coexistent basal septal hypertrophy. From February 1997 through September 2018, 196 patients underwent midventricular myectomy. Medical records and follow-up databases were reviewed to obtain patient characteristics and perioperative features. At baseline, 156 patients (80%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Classification III/IV. Obstruction was isolated to the midventricle in 80 patients, and 63 (79%) were treated by isolated transapical myectomy. The remaining 116 patients had intraventricular obstruction at both subaortic and midcavity levels; in 108 (93%), a combined transaortic and transapical approach was adopted to achieve complete relief of the obstruction. After septal myectomy, the resting peak instantaneous gradient decreased from a median 48 mm Hg (interquartile range [IQR], 23-77 mm Hg) preoperatively to 8 mm Hg (IQR, 0-19 mm Hg) before hospital dismissal. Median follow-up was 2.9 years (IQR, 0.7-5.0 years), and the estimated 1-, 5-, and 10-year survivals were 99%, 98%, and 90%, respectively. There were no late complications attributable to the transapical incision. Transapical exposure is a safe and effective approach for relief of midventricular obstruction, and hemodynamic results are similar to those achieved by standard myectomy for subaortic obstruction. The technique can be combined with transaortic myectomy for patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction at both levels.

Endo-Bentall for proximal aortic dissection: from conception to application.

The endovascular treatment of pathologies of the ascending aorta has not been incorporated into routine clinical practice. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the endovascular treatment of pathologies of the ascending aorta, particularly type A aortic dissection. A thorough analysis and discussion of anatomical, physiological, clinical and technical challenges, and obstacles is performed. Conventional straight stent-grafts alone are not capable of fixing the entire complex underlying problem in the vast majority of patients with acute type A aortic dissection. An endovascular valve-carrying conduit consisting of a proximal transcatheter aortic valve connected to a covered stent-graft would be able to close a primary entry tear in the ascending aorta, ensure coronary perfusion, initiate true lumen expansion, treat malperfusion, treat aortic regurgitation, drain any pericardial effusion through a transapical approach, and possibly stabilize the distal aorta. Two thirds of all patients with acute aortic dissection are potential candidates for endovascular treatment, and the concept may help to significantly improve survival in patients with acute aortic dissection.

National Trends of Outcomes in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Through Transapical Versus Endovascular Approach: From the National Inpatient Sample (NIS)

BackgroundTo evaluate the trends in complication rates following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures according to the type of vascular approach (endovascular vs. transapical) in a large US population sample. MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis who underwent a TAVR procedure in the United States during the years 2012–2016. Outcomes assessed were peri-procedural mortality, cardiac, and non-cardiac complications. Hospitalization outcomes were modeled using logistic regression for binary outcomes and generalized linear models for continuous outcomes. ResultsThere were 97,320 endovascular-TAVR patients and 11,140 transapical-TAVR patients. The mean age was 80.8 years (standard error of the mean: ± 0.1). Most patients were males (53.7%) and Caucasian (87.1%). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, as well as hospital factors, patients with the transapical approach had a higher risk for mortality and adverse outcomes. Among the endovascular-TAVR group, national trends showed a diminishing incidence of procedural mortality (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.77; 95% CI: 0.72–0.84, p < 0.001), stroke (IRR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.73–0.87, p < 0.001), and all secondary outcomes, but no significant change in myocardial infarction. In contrast, most transapical-TAVR related procedural complications remained unchanged over time, except for a significant decrease in stroke, acute respiratory failure and need for pacemaker insertion. ConclusionNational trends show a steady increase in the number of endovascular-TAVR procedures with a concurrent decrease in procedural complications.

Percutaneous mitral valve prostheses: 2019 update.

During the last few years, there has been significant advances in the treatment of patients with severe mitral incompetence either too high risk for surgery or inoperable, this because of the improvements in percutaneous mitral valve prostheses, as alternative to the transcatheter mitral repair techniques. Percutaneous mitral valve replacement offers several advantages over the repair techniques, such as the opportunity to treat mitral valve with different anatomic characteristics, even the more complex ones, and the occasion to correct completely mitral regurgitation. The development of such prostheses has been a long process, still on the making. During the initial stages of the procedure, the transapical approach was preferred. On the other hand, the transseptal approach, which has already been used in some patients, is the proper development path for this transcatheter technique. Many valvular prostheses have been produced, each using a different mechanism for secure anchoring and elimination of regurgitation. Early mortality for this procedure, although decreasing since the preliminary studies, is still high, not only because the technology is still in its initial phase but also for the very high risk of the patients treated. It is foreseeable, though, that in the near future, as the technology and patients selection improves, better results will follow.

Comparing traditional aortic valve surgery and transapical approach to transcatheter aortic valve implant.

During the last 15 years, transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) has become a valid alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, and high or intermediate operative risk. Transcatheter aortic valve implant could be approached through various access sites, among which the transapical has long been one of the most popular. Through the years, this procedure has shown results similar to the standard surgical approach, but not as good as the same procedure via the transfemoral approach. For this reason, along with continuous technological advances, the transfemoral approach is used, presently, in 90% of the patient, while the transapical route has been limited, progressively, to a minority of patients. Currently the Heart Team should decide, in every single patient, between conventional surgery and TAVI. In clinical practice, TAVI is favoured in high-risk patients, and in the elderly at intermediate surgical risk with favourable anatomical features. In patients in whom TAVI is preferable to surgery, but have ‘non-usable’ femoral approach, alternative routes, such as transaxillary or transapical, could be considered.