Emergent balloon aortic valvuloplasty as a bridge to transcatheter aortic valve implantation with marked risk reduction of perioperative and postoperative mortality.

We report the case of an 87-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis who presented acutely with cardiogenic shock. Considering her severe condition, we concluded that she would not be able to undergo aortic valve replacement. Life-saving emergent balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed under general anesthesia. There were no postoperative complications, and she was discharged on the 36th hospital day. Shortness of breath with severe aortic stenosis recurred 5 months later. Elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed successfully, and the patient was discharged without complications. Sixteen months on, she is enjoying an active life without disease symptoms.