Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: General anesthesia using transesophageal echocardiography does not decrease the incidence of paravalvular leaks compared to sedation alone
The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe PVL at 30 days after the implantation. Design and
Setting:
This study design was a retrospective observational trial in a universityhospital.
Methods:
The TAVI-S group underwent the procedure under conscious sedation. In the TAVI-GA group, an endotracheal tube and a TEE probe were inserted. After the valve deployment, PVL was assessed by hemodynamic and fluoroscopic measurements in the TAVI-S group. TEE was also used in the TAVI-GA group to evaluate the presence of PVL. When PVL was moderate or severe according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria.
Results:
TAVI-S and TAVI-GA were accomplished in 168 (67.5%) and 81 (32.5%) patients, respectively. Our results show no difference between the two groups regarding the incidence and grade of PVL.
Conclusion:
Performing TAVI under GA with TEE guidance is not associated with a lower incidence of moderate and severe PVL.