Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new method for the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS). Aim: To evaluate early results of TAVI using transfemoral/transsubclavian approach (TFA/TSA) or transapical approach (TAA) in patients with severe AS and high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods: Between January 2009 and May 2010, 30 high-risk patients underwent TAVI. The primary treatment option was TFA, and TAA was used if contraindications to TFA were present; one patient underwent the procedure using TSA. Reasons for selecting TAA were as follows: small diameter (< 7 mm) and/or severe calcification of the iliofemoral arteries, peripheral atherosclerosis, "porcelain" aorta and a horizontal course of the as...