Multimodal cardiovascular imaging before aortic valve transcatheter replacement

peer reviewedCalcified aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease in developed countries with a very poor outcome when symptoms develop. However, several of these patients are denied for surgery. The main reasons are their advanced age (elderly patient), co-morbidities, technical limitations and a very high surgical risk. It is currently possible to propose a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). After selection of candidates, the feasibility of the intervention is analysed. The size of the aortic bioprosthesis must be selected according to the cardiac anatomy. Several cardiac imaging modalities (echocardiography, computed tomography and cardiac MRI) can be used to identify unsuitable situations. Heavy calcifications or tortuosity can thwart the retrograde approach use. The sub-clavian arteries (for the CoreValve) and trans-apical approach (for the Edwards-Sapien) constitute alternatives ways