Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with medtronic self-expanding prosthesis: Insights from correlations with computer tomography.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to describe the feasibility, challenges, success rates and techniques utilized in coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients post transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

CA and PCI after TAVR are becoming increasingly encountered in clinical practice. There have been technical difficulties reported in re-accessing the coronary arteries through the self-expanding CoreValve prosthesis.

METHODS

From January 2012 to November 2017, 672 patients who underwent TAVR with a self-expanding prosthesis were retrospectively reviewed and those who had a CA and/or PCI post TAVR were analysed. Clinical characteristics, angiographic and procedural details were obtained. A subgroup of patients had computed tomographic angiography (CTA) post TAVR to evaluate positions of the coronary ostia relative to the self-expanding prosthesis. Study endpoint was successful selective engagement of coronary ostia for CA and PCI.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (4.8%) had attempted 46 CA and 26 PCI after TAVR with a self-expanding valve. Mean age was 85.2 years and 41% were females. Selective left and right coronary angiography using standard catheters could be achieved in 50% and 28% of cases respectively. Successful PCI was performed in 25 cases (96%); however, significant technique modification was required in 64% of cases. CTA in 9 patients confirmed the difficulty in coronary re-access was due to a combination of the sealing skirt relationship to coronary ostia and sinotubular junction as well as commissural post orientation and significant native leaflet calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

CA and PCI post TAVR with self-expanding CoreValve is technically challenging but feasible with modification of standard techniques.