Invasive evaluation of aortic stenosis

Abstract

In the current valvular guidelines, Doppler Echocardiography is considered the mainstay of diagnosis aortic valve stenosis. Invasive assessment of aortic valve stenosis is reserved in those cases with inconclusive non-invasive studies, discrepant clinical and Doppler findings, and for research purposes prior to TAVR. In this chapter we will review the different methods of invasive assessment of aortic valve stenosis by both gradient and area measures, the indications, the advantages, and the pitfalls. We will also briefly review the invasive hemodynamics of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.