BACKGROUND: The prevalence of severe aortic stenosis is increasing with the rise in life expectancy. Some patients cannot undergo surgical treatment of aortic stenosis due to associated disorders. We present the results of our experience with the percutaneous treatment of aortic stenosis as an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 31 consecutive high surgical risk patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis treated with a CoreValve aortic prosthesis from April 2008 to February 2009. All the procedures were undertaken with local anesthesia. In 29 patients we used a femoral artery access, with an 18 F introducer, closing the femoral puncture with a 10 F Prostar, and in two patients the access was via the left subclavian artery. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 77.8 ± 8.9 years and the mean logistic EuroSCORE was 17.5 ± 12.6%. The implant was successful in 100% of cases. The peak-to-peak gradient after the implant disappeared. No patient had residual aortic insufficiency Sellers' grade > 2. One-month mortality was 3.2%. A definitive pacemaker was required in 31% of the patients. After a mean follow-up of 154 ± 90 days there were four deaths (1 sudden death and 3 for non-cardiac causes). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve aortic prosthesis as an alternative treatment for severe aortic stenosis in high surgical risk patients is feasible and safe, with a high success rate for the procedure and a percentage of complications below the expected for the surgical risk, as estimated by the EuroSCORE.
Aortic valve stenosis; Heart valves; Heart valve prosthesis implantation; Heart valve prosthesis
