Aortic valve anatomy: Implications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract

Comprehensive knowledge of aortic valve and aortic root anatomy is essential for catheter-based interventions on the aortic valve. The aortic valve and aortic root complex extends from the left ventricular outflow tract to the sinuses of Valsalva and primarily functions to support forward cardiac output and provide coronary perfusion. Transcatheter valve prostheses sit within the aortic root. Understanding the normal, as well as abnormal, arrangement and structures of the aortic valve and adjoining structures allows proper sizing and positioning of the transcatheter aortic valve and helps to circumvent complications that may arise during and after implantation.