Predilatation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Still have a role?

Abstract

Key Points Predilation with a balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was the standard of care for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) until recently. Both the operators increased experiences as well as smaller device sizes and improved device designs have much improved omitting the use of BAV in majority of the cases in today's clinical practice. Predilation with BAV seems to help in selected group of patients with severe aortic leaflet calcium volumes to avoid post‐dilation.