Review of reported causes of device embolization following trans-catheter aortic valve implantation

Valve-Related Complications in TAVI Leading to Emergent Cardiac Surgery

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now a standard procedure for the treatment of symptomatic aortic valve stenosis in many patients. In Germany, according to the annual reports from the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Transparency in Healthcare (Institut für Qualitätssicherung und Transparenz im Gesundheitswesen), the rate of serious intraprocedural complications, such as valve malpositioning or embolization, coronary obstruction, aortic dissection, annular rupture, pericardial tamponade, or severe aortic regurgitation requiring emergency cardiac surgery has decreased markedly in recent years from more than 5.5% in 2012 to 2.0% in 2019. However, with increased use, the total number of adverse events remains about 500 per year, about 100 of which require conversion to sternotomy. These, sometimes, fatal events can occur at any time and are still challenging. Therefore, the interdisciplinary TAVI heart team should be prepared and aware of possible rescue strategies.

Review of Prosthetic Paravalvular Leaks: Diagnosis and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a relatively uncommon complication associated with prosthetic valve implantation. PVL can occasionally lead to serious adverse consequences such as congestive heart failure, infective endocarditis, and hemolytic anemia. Surgical re-operation carries a high mortality risk.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transcatheter closure therapy provides a viable alternative for the treatment of this disorder with reasonable procedural and clinical success. The recent advent of hybrid imaging modalities has increased procedural success. This article summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment modalities surroundings prosthetic paravalvular leak.

Successful Treatment of Severe Paravalvular Leak by Repositioning a Self-Expandable Percutaneous Aortic Valve Bioprosthesis (Evolut PRO+) Using the “Double Snare” Technique

Significant (moderate or severe) paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains a common phenomenon and has been associated with decrease survival and quality of life. Transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM) is a rare post-TAVR complication that can occur in 1% of cases and has been associated with worse patient outcomes. Valve embolization or migration into the left ventricle can result in significant PVL causing hemodynamic instability, shock, heart failure, and hemolytic anemia. Although this complication most commonly occurs in the acute setting (90%) within 4 hours of TAVR, it can also present late (4 hr-43 days later) in 10% of cases. There are no clear guidelines as to how this condition should be managed; however, several percutaneous bailout techniques exist that can ultimately spare the patient from emergent cardiovascular surgery. We present a rare case of late ventricular transcatheter aortic valve migration 3 days after TAVR causing severe PVL and heart failure symptoms that was successfully treated using the percutaneous “double snare” technique.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Self-Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valve Embolized in the Aorta

This study assesses the long-term outcomes of patients who suffered from self-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) embolized in the aorta in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).We retrospectively reviewed the patients with self-expandable THV embolized in the aorta. Follow-up computed tomography was performed to assess the THV migration, struct fractures, and device-related aortic complications.Of the 539 TAVI patients, 11 suffered from self-expandable THV embolized in the aorta. Two patients underwent open-heart surgery to remove the embolized THVs in the ascending aorta. Embolized THVs were repositioned in the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery (n = 3) and the thoracic descending aorta (n = 6). Three patients died during a median follow-up time of 40 months. The remaining eight survivors presented with New York Heart Association functional class I or II at the last follow-up. Degeneration of embolized prostheses with thick leaflets and rolled cusp edges was observed in three patients. There was no evidence of valve migration, strut fracture, prosthesis-associated aortic complication, and thrombosis attached on embolized valve for all patients with THVs repositioned in the aorta.Self-expandable THV embolization can be effectively managed in TAVI. Although some embolized valves exhibited leaflet degeneration, the long-term safety of repositioning embolized self-expandable THV in the aorta is assured.

A novel endovascular treatment for transcatheter aortic valve embolization

In the present report, we have described the case of an 82-year-old obese man who had required transcatheter aortic valve replacement to treat severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. During implantation, the balloon-mounted valve became dislodged and embolized to the ascending aorta. A second valve was successfully implanted after several failed attempts to reposition the first one into the aortic annulus. The dislodged valve became further embolized and landed in the distal descending aorta, partially obstructing the splanchnic, renal, and lower extremity blood flow. It was rotated with flexible forceps and permanently secured in the distal thoracic aorta using a thoracic endoprosthesis, rendering it harmless.

Mechanical Complications of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Mechanical complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement are fortunately rare with the current generation of devices. Unfortunately, life-threatening complications will occur and it is the responsibility of operators to be familiar with strategies to prevent and manage these challenging scenarios. Because these cases will not occur often, it is important for us to highlight and talk about those that do occur, to learn best practices in how to manage and prevent them going forward. We can learn much from each other's good crash landings.

Anatomical Predictors of Valve Malposition During Self-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background: The consequence of valve malposition (VM) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be severe, but the determinants of VM with self-expandable TAVR have not been thoroughly evaluated. We aimed to investigate the anatomical predictors of VM during self-expandable TAVR. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, TAVR was performed using the Venus A-Valve. The baseline, computed tomography, and procedural characteristics along with clinical outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Results: A total of 84 consecutive patients (23 with VM) were included. Stepwise regression showed that annulus perimeter/left ventricular outflow tract perimeter (AL ratio) and sinotubular junction (STJ) height were predictors of VM. The ROC curve indicated a moderate strength of AL ratio [area under the curve (AUC) 0.71, cutoff 0.96] and a weak strength of STJ height (AUC 0.69, cutoff 23.8 mm) to predict VM. The combination of both predictors revealed a higher predictive value of VM (AUC 0.77). In multivariate analysis, AL ratio <0.96 [odds ratio (OR) 3.98, p = 0.015] and STJ height ≥23.8 mm (OR 4.63, p = 0.008) were strong independent predictors of VM. The presence of both predictors was associated with a very high risk of VM (OR 10.67, p = 0.002). The rate of moderate-to-severe paravalvular regurgitation was higher in patients with VM at 30 days (26.1 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.011). Conclusions: A conical left ventricular outflow tract and tall aortic sinuses were strong anatomical predictors of VM during self-expandable TAVR.

How to Image and Manage Prosthesis-Related Complications After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we provide an overview of potential prosthesis - related complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, their incidences, the imaging modalities best suited for detection, and possible strategies to manage these complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Therapy for severe aortic valve stenosis requiring intervention has increasingly evolved toward transcatheter aortic valve replacement over the past decade, and the number of procedures performed has increased steadily in recent years. As more and more centers favor a minimalistic approach and largely dispense with general anesthesia and intra-procedural imaging by transesophageal echocardiography, post-procedural imaging is becoming increasingly important to promptly detect dysfunction of the transcatheter valve and potential complications. Complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement must be detected immediately in order to initiate adequate therapeutic measures, which require a profound knowledge of possible complications that may occur after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the imaging modalities best suited for detection, and available treatment options.

A Completely Endovascular Solution for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Embolisation and Inversion into the Aortic Arch

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved into the preferred alternative to surgical valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis with high surgical risk. With expanding indications, life threatening complications including transcatheter aortic valve embolisation and inversion (TAVEI), in which the valve dislodges, inverts, and migrates caudally, may increase concomitantly.

Report

An 80 year old male with severe aortic valve stenosis underwent balloon expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Valve embolisation into the aortic arch inverted the bioprothesis, excluding the option of fixation in the descending aorta. Through-valve thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed after bifemoral snaring using a through-and-through wire technique and pulling the valve into the descending aorta.

Discussion

TAVI is emerging as the preferred treatment for severe aortic valve stenosis and comes with unique procedural complications, such as life threatening transcatheter aortic valve embolisation and inversion (TAVEI). Although some authors prefer treating embolisation of a non-inverted balloon expandable valve into the aorta by using the valvuloplasty balloon to pull the valve distally and fixing it in the descending aorta, this risks further expansion of the valve and consequently fixing it in an undesirable position and is not possible if the valve inverts. Downstream placement of the valve by snaring with a guiding catheter covering/protecting a through-and-through wire technique, combined with through-valve TEVAR, provides a new bail out strategy for this serious complication and may reduce TAVEI associated mortality and morbidity.

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TAVI is preferred to open replacement when treating severe aortic valve stenosis.

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An embolized valve may invert (TAVEI) risking hemodynamical obstruction.

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Snaring with a through-and-through wire allows downstream valve placement.

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A covered through-and-through wire protects the aortic wall during snaring.

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Thoracic stent-grafting provides a completely endovascular solution for TAVEI.

Implantation of three transcatheter aortic valves for embolization of two valves caused by under-expansion: a case report

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve embolization is one of the serious complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We present a case of TAVI that needed implantation of three transcatheter aortic valves owing to the embolization of two self-expandable valves (SEVs).

Case summary

An 88-year-old woman underwent TAVI using a 26-mm SEV. After valve deployment, the SEV embolized to the ascending aorta during the removal of the delivery system (DS) of the SEV (DS-SEV) from the SEV. An additional SEV was implanted, which also embolized upwards. Multi-directional fluoroscopy revealed extreme under-expansion of the second SEV, which caused valve embolization due to catching of the DS-SEVs in the SEVs. Finally, a 23-mm balloon-expandable valve was successfully implanted, which was also under expanded on fluoroscopic assessment. The patient was stable without sequelae at the 1-month follow-up.

Discussion

Pre-procedurally predicting SEV under-expansions was difficult because pre-procedural computed tomography revealed no massive calcification on the aortic valve, and fluoroscopy indicated adequate expansion of the SEVs at the angle where the valves were deployed. We verified the possibility of catching of a DS-SEV in an under-expanded SEV in an in vitro test, which showed that the DS-SEV was caught in the extremely under-expanded SEV. Furthermore, balloon dilation might release the catch of the DS-SEV by changing the DS-SEV position. Therefore, we recommend performing multi-directional fluoroscopy to evaluate SEV expansion before DS-SEV removal from an SEV. Furthermore, if catching of a DS-SEV occurs, balloon dilation might be useful for releasing the catch and safely removing the DS-SEV.

Successful transcatheter treatment for very late migration of a transcatheter aortic valve into the left ventricular outflow tract

Although rare, embolization or migration of transcatheter aortic valves into the left ventricle has been described. We report a case of very late migration of an Edwards Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience Corporation, Irvine, California) valve that was placed 4 years prior to the development of recurrent severe aortic stenosis with the transcatheter heart valve situated below the native stenotic aortic valve in the left ventricular outflow tract. The management options in this scenario, and outline how they successfully treated this challenging case with transfemoral TAV-in-TAV have also been discussed.

Loss of Prosthetic Aortic Valve during TAVI Procedure: Endovascular Treatment in Emergent Setting

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has proven over the years to be a viable alternative to open surgery. A rare but severe complication is represented by the valve migration. We report a case of TAVI complication due to the loss of the prosthetic valve in the abdominal aorta treated by endovascular approach.

METHODS

An 88-year-old patient with severe aortic valve stenosis, symptomatic for dyspnea was proposed for a TAVI because considered at high risk for surgery. During the TAVI procedure, the undeployed device (Edwards SAPIEN 3 - Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) detached from its delivery system. Several attempts to withdraw the valve fluctuating in the aorta into its supporting system were performed without success. An emergency endovascular treatment was promptly planned to obtain the exclusion from the flow of the embolized valve. Under local anaesthesia, through the percutaneous femoral access already present, a tube aortic endograft (Endurant^TM II, Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA; ETTF2828C70EE) was successfully introduced and deployed in the infrarenal aorta without any related complications. The embolized valve was completely covered by the endgraft and thus fixed to the aortic wall. The first postoperative computer tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the correct placement of the endograft, the exclusion of the valve from the flow and the patency of the great vessels. No perioperative or postoperative complications were recorded. The patient was discharged on the ninth postoperative day with the indication to a new attempt of TAVI, through transapical access.

CONCLUSIONS

In case of intraprocedural loss of an undeplyed valve during TAVI, the valve fixing through endograft deployment in infrarenal aorta is a possible solution.

ValveTech: A Novel Robotic Approach for Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVE

Aortic valve disease is the most common heart disease in the elderly calling for replacement with an artificial valve. The presented surgical robot aims to provide a highly controllable instrument for efficient delivery of an artificial valve by the help of integrated endoscopic vision.

METHODS

A robot (called ValveTech), intended for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and consisting of a flexible cable driven manipulator, a passive arm, and a control unit has been designed and prototyped. The flexible manipulator has several features (e.g., stabilizing flaps, tiny cameras, dexterous introducer and custom cartridge) to help the proper valve placement. It provides 5 degrees of freedom for reaching the operative site via mini-thoracotomy; it adjusts the valve and expands it at the optimal position. The robot was evaluated by ten cardiac surgeons following a real surgical scenario in artificial chest simulator with an aortic mockup. Moreover, after each delivery, the expanded valve was evaluated objectively in comparison with the ideal position.

RESULTS

The robot performances were evaluated positively by surgeons. The trials resulted in faster delivery and an average misalignment distance of 3.8 mm along the aorta axis; 16.3 degrees rotational angle around aorta axis and 8.8 degrees misalignment of the valve commissure plane to the ideal plane were measured.

CONCLUSION

The trials successfully proved the proposed system for valve delivery under endoscopic vision.

SIGNIFICANCE

The ValveTech robot can be an alternative solution for minimally invasive aortic valve surgery and improve the quality of the operation both for surgeons and patients.

Rapid ventricular pacing during transcatheter valve procedures using an internal device and programmer: A demonstration of feasibility

OBJECTIVES

To develop a protocol for using a pre-existing, permanent pacemaker or defibrillator device for rapid ventricular pacing during transcatheter valve procedures and demonstrate feasibility.

BACKGROUND

Placement of a passive fixation, temporary pacemaker wire is considered routine during most transcatheter valve procedures to facilitate controlled or rapid ventricular pacing at the time of balloon expansion or valve deployment. Many patients presenting for such procedures have a pre-existing, permanent pacemaker or defibrillator device which could be used for the same function, obviating the need for temporary pacemaker wire placement.

METHODS

We developed a strategy for rapid pacing from the pre-existing device using a programmer during transcatheter valve procedures in consecutive patients over a 3-month period. Complications and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 135 transcatheter valve procedures performed during the study. Of these, 28 (20.7%) had pre-existing devices (17 transcatheter aortic valve replacement, 3 aortic valve-in-valve, 2 mitral valve-in-valve, and 6 balloon aortic valvuloplasty). All patients underwent rapid ventricular pacing using a commercially available device programmer. There were no adverse events related to device pacing and no patients required placement of a temporary pacemaker wire during the procedure. At 30-days follow-up, there were no deaths, one major vascular complication related to arterial access, and one patient with renal failure requiring dialysis.

CONCLUSION

Pacing from a commercially available device programmer is safe, feasible, and may reduce both procedural cost and complications such as cardiac tamponade by avoiding placement of a temporary pacemaker lead during transcatheter valve procedures.

The initial U.S. experience with the Tempo active fixation temporary pacing lead in structural heart interventions

OBJECTIVES

This multicenter retrospective study of the initial U.S. experience evaluated the safety and efficacy of temporary cardiac pacing with the Tempo® Temporary Pacing Lead.

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing use of temporary cardiac pacing with the rapid growth of structural heart procedures, temporary pacing leads have not significantly improved. The Tempo lead is a new temporary pacing lead with a soft tip intended to minimize the risk of perforation and a novel active fixation mechanism designed to enhance lead stability.

METHODS

Data from 269 consecutive structural heart procedures were collected. Outcomes included device safety (absence of clinically significant cardiac perforation, new pericardial effusion, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia) and efficacy (clinically acceptable pacing thresholds with successful pace capture throughout the index procedure). Postprocedure practices and sustained lead performance were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The Tempo lead was successfully positioned in the right ventricle and achieved pacing in 264 of 269 patients (98.1%). Two patients (0.8%) experienced loss of pace capture. Procedural mean pace capture threshold (PCT) was 0.7 ± 0.8 mA. There were no clinically significant perforations, pericardial effusions, or sustained device-related arrhythmias. The Tempo lead was left in place postprocedure in 189 patients (71.6%) for mean duration of 43.3 ± 0.7 hr (range 2.5-221.3 hr) with final PCT of 0.84 ± 1.04 mA (n = 80). Of these patients, 84.1% mobilized out of bed with no lead dislodgment.

CONCLUSION

The Tempo lead is safe and effective for temporary cardiac pacing for structural heart procedures, provides stable peri and postprocedural pacing and allows mobilization of patients who require temporary pacing leads.

Imaging of transcatheter aortic valve replacement complications

Aortic stenosis is increasing in incidence and is now commonly managed with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in intermediate and high-risk patients. Radiologists are likely to encounter patients undergoing this procedure both pre- and postoperatively, and therefore, an understanding of procedural complications is essential. Complications may relate to the access site or approach, or the valve itself. This article will review the most common complications described in literature and focuses on the role of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in their evaluation either exclusively, or complementary to other imaging methods.

Incidence and outcome of peri-procedural transcatheter heart valve embolization and migration: the TRAVEL registry (TranscatheteR HeArt Valve EmboLization and Migration)

Aims

Peri-procedural transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to assess the incidence, causes, and outcome of TVEM in a large multicentre cohort.

Methods and results

We recorded cases of peri-procedural TVEM in patients undergoing TAVI between January 2010 and December 2017 from 26 international sites. Peri-procedural TVEM occurred in 273/29 636 (0.92%) TAVI cases (age 80.8 ± 7.3 years; 53.8% female), of which 217 were to the ascending aorta and 56 to the left ventricle. The use of self-expanding or first-generation prostheses and presence of a bicuspid aortic valve were independent predictors of TVEM. Bail-out measures included repositioning attempts using snares or miscellaneous tools (41.0%), multiple valve implantations (83.2%), and conversion to surgery (19.0%). Using 1:4-propensity matching, we identified a cohort of 235 patients with TVEM (TVEMPS) and 932 patients without TVEM (non-TVEMPS). In the matched cohort, all-cause mortality was higher in TVEMPS than in non-TVEMPS at 30 days (18.6% vs. 4.9%; P < 0.001) and after 1 year (30.5% vs. 16.6%; P < 0.001). Major stroke was more frequent in TVEMPS at 30 days (10.6% vs. 2.8%; P < 0.001), but not at 1 year (4.6% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.17). The need for emergent cardiopulmonary support, major stroke at 30 days, and acute kidney injury Stages 2 and 3 increased the risk of 1-year mortality, whereas a better renal function at baseline was protective.

Conclusion

Transcatheter valve embolization and migration occurred in approximately 1% and was associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Positioning of self-expanding transcatheter valve prostheses

The anatomic interplay between aortic valve, ascending aorta, left ventricular outflow tract and peripheral vasculature play a major role in determining device related outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Factors such as the alignment angle (prosthesis-ascending aorta), pre-dilatation, operating team experience and chronic kidney disease may play a role in valve displacement. Careful analysis of all imaging modalities while sizing and selecting a valve type, and attention to newer deployment techniques may improve outcomes.

Anatomic and procedural associations of transcatheter heart valve displacement following Evolut R implantation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to predict the displacement of self-expanding transcatheter heart valves (THV) during final deployment.

BACKGROUND

Accurate device positioning during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is crucial for optimal results.

METHODS

At our institution, 103 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI with Evolut R were retrospectively identified. Multiple linear regression models were created, and a predictor equation was built to quantify the factors that may affect THV behavior.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analysis for THV displacement on the left coronary cusp (LCC) identified the angle between the THV and the ascending aorta (ATA), predilation, and less operator experience as independent predictors of upward displacement, whereas estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was inversely related with THV behavior (95% confidence interval: 0.219 to 0.340, 0.447 to 2.092, 0.165 to 1.757, and -0.053 to -0.011, respectively). Predictors of THV displacement on the noncoronary cusp side could not be identified using this model.

CONCLUSIONS

The ATA at the point of recapture, predilation, and less operator experience were independent predictors of upward displacement of THV on the LCC side. eGFR was an independent predictor of THV downward displacement on the LCC side. Of them, the ATA was the strongest predictor. Physicians may need to adjust this angle adequately before deployment to achieve the appropriate position.

Descending Aorta Rupture after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Embolization

BACKGROUND

To report a case of rupture of the descending aorta after aortic migration during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

An 85-year-old man with a severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent elective TAVR, which complicated with embolization into the ascending aorta. While repositioning into the descending aorta, the procedure complicated with aortic rupture.

RESULTS

The patient required urgent thoracic intravalve stent-graft implantation (thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]). Reintervention with other stent graft was required 2 days after initial procedure as proximal rupture was again diagnosed. Patient was discharged 50 days later because of other medical complications. He remains stable at 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR is a valid and safe option in the treatment of iatrogenic acute aortic rupture due to TAVR.

Balloon Repositioning of Transcatheter Aortic Valve after Migration into the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract, Followed by Valve-in-Valve Procedure

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an established option for treating patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis; however, severe, life-threatening complications, such as valve migration, are possible. We report the case of an 82-year-old woman whose Edwards Sapien XT valve migrated into the left ventricular outflow tract one day after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We used an inflated balloon to adjust the position of the migrated valve before performing a valve-in-valve procedure via a transapical approach, which resulted in a good valve implantation.

Off-Pump Transapical Removal of an Embolized Transcatheter Aortic Valve

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a less invasive alternative for high-risk patients. However, valve embolization is a rare but dreaded complication. We report the successful off-pump retrieval of an embolized valve after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement through a left anterior thoracotomy. We maintained the embolized valve on the guidewire and snared it using a transapical approach. We then deployed a valve in an adequate position to ensure hemodynamic stability before transapical removal of the embolized valve. Transapical exteriorization of the femoral guidewire offers additional support, particularly in patients with a horizontal aortic annulus.

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Migration of a Balloon-Expandable Prosthesis During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Valve migration into the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a life-threatening complication. An 89-year-old female patient was admitted for TAVI due to severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. After deployment of a balloon-expandable prosthesis, the prosthesis had migrated into the LVOT. The prosthesis was reimpacted to the aortic annulus by a balloon-assisted recapture procedure. Immediately after recapturing the prosthesis with an oversized balloon, the patient's vital signs deteriorated due to acute aortic regurgitation (AR), and a prompt valve-in-valve (V-in-V) procedure allowed us to stabilize the patient's condition. This is the first reported case of a V-in-V procedure using an oversized balloon and a larger prosthesis to treat migration of the initial prosthesis into the LVOT. Balloon recapture and V-in-V procedure using an oversized balloon and larger prosthesis for a migrated balloonexpandable prosthesis into the LVOT is feasible, but hemodynamic support should be prepared before recapture and Vin-V because overdilatation of the first prosthesis might cause hemodynamic collapse due to severe AR.

The role of TTE in assessment of the patient before and following TAVI for AS

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is now accepted as a standard mode of treatment for an increasingly large population of patients with severe aortic stenosis. With the availability of this technique, echocardiographers need to be familiar with the imaging characteristics that can help to identify which patients are best suited to conventional surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and what parameters need to be measured. This review highlights the major features that should be assessed during transthoracic echocardiography before presentation of the patient to the 'Heart Team'. In addition, this review summarises the aspects to be considered on echocardiography during follow-up assessment after successful implantation of a transcatheter aortic valve.