Incidence of acquired ventricular septal defect after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A large single center experience

Abstract

Objective To determine the rate and clinical outcomes of post‐TAVR VSD. Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and established procedure for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication of TAVR. The rate of post‐TAVR VSD and patient outcomes are not well known. Methods A retrospective record review of VSD cases occurring after all TAVRs performed between January 2012 and September 2020 at one urban US tertiary hospital. VSD rate and early‐ and long‐term outcomes were analyzed. Computed tomography images taken before TAVR and transthoracic echocardiograms done before and after each procedure were analyzed. Results Of the 1908 patients who underwent TAVR in the study period, 7 patients (0.37%) had post‐procedure VSD. The average patient age was 77 ± 11 years with average society of thoracic surgeons short‐term risk score of 6%. All 7 implanted valves were balloon‐expandable. Of the 7 TAVR procedures, 5 were performed on a native tricuspid valve, 1 was performed on a native bicuspid valve, and 1 was done as a “valve‐in‐valve” procedure on a prior surgical bioprosthetic valve. All VSDs were small and restrictive in nature. Right heart failure in a patient with preexisting right ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1 (13%) patient who died. The remaining 6 patients (86%) were discharged. All 6 patients (86%) were alive and stable at 1 year follow‐up, reporting improvement in symptoms (NYHA class I‐II), with no evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion VSD is a rare complication of TAVR. Hemodynamic and clinical sequelae in majority of the patients in this study did not result in mortality. Proper imaging techniques and appropriate pre‐procedure planning are needed to decrease the incidence of VSD formation post‐TAVR.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Case Report

“…However, due to lack of strong evidence, the validity of this suggestion needs to be investigated further with well-designed clinical trials. Another report by Nona et al 5,6 indicates that the incidence of TAVI-related VSD was 0.37%. This single-center report states that all VSDs observed in their center were small and restrictive, and all surviving patients were alive at the 1-year follow-up without any symptoms suggesting right ventricular dysfunction.…”

A time-efficient protocol for transthoracic echocardiography during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: early identification and effective management of intraprocedural complications

“…A rare complication of TAVI is iatrogenic ventricular septal defect with an incidence of < 0.4%[ 13 ]. Interventricular defects are most common (Fig.…”