Aortic stenosis in the time of COVID-19: Development and outcomes of a rapid turnaround TAVI service

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many elective surgical procedures. This has led to reports of an increase in mortality for patients with non-Covid health conditions due to delayed definitive management. Patients with severe aortic stenosis have a high annual mortality if left untreated. These patients are at risk due to the reduced number of surgical aortic valve replacements and competition for intensive care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case series suggests that the minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation is safe to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic with adjustments to the patient pathway to minimize hospital stay and to reduce patient and staff exposure. This helps to reduce the delay of definitive treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis.