Impact of “high” implantation on functionality of self-expandable bioprosthesis during the short- and long-term outcome of patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Is high implantation beneficial?

Abstract

Aim: High position of the self-expandable bioprosthesis CoreValve/Evolut R has been proved to affect immediate hemodynamics of the valve. Whether this may have any impact on long-term procedural outcome has not been defined yet. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the final position of aortic bioprosthesis affects its long-term functionality. Method: Consecutive patients (pts) who underwent successful TAVI procedure were evaluated and separated into 2 groups according to the implantation depth (ID): Group I: pts with 4 mm <4 mm). Grouping for ID did not affect all-cause 1-year mortality. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation, as well as LVEF at discharge, proved to be independent predictors of all-cause 1-year mortality when adjusted for cofactors. Conclusion: Implantation depth under 4 mm seems to have a favorable effect on long-term hemodynamic valve functionality.