Rf54 Occluded Carotid Axis Used for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract

Background and Aim: Transcarotid TAVR under loco-regional anesthesia represents a new alternative peripheral route for patients without femoral or subclavian access options and poor candidates for thoracotomy. We report a case of a successful TAVR via left occluded carotid axis. Methods: A very frail class NYHA IV 83-year-old man with several comorbidities was referred for treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Transfemoral TAVR was excluded because of severe peripheral vascular disease. At Angio-CT scan both subclavians arteries and the ascending aorta were widely calcified. The right internal carotid artery (ICA) had 50% of stenosis. The left ICA was chronically occluded with permeability of ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA). The Heart Team concluded that left CCA was the preferred conduit for TAVR. The procedure was performed under loco-regional anesthesia by cervical block and bilateral cerebral oximetry was continuously monitored. Left CCA was surgically exposed by low cervicotomy and a 3-minutes carotid clamping test was realized to evaluate patient's neurological status and oximetry. Aortic balloon valvuloplasty was performed and a 29-mm Edwards Sapien3 transcatheter aortic valve was deployed under 5-seconds rapid pacing at 180/min with excellent seating and no paravalvular leak. Results: The patient was monitored 12-hours in intensive care unit and transferred to rehabilitation clinic in second post-operative day. Any cerebrovascular or access-related complications occurred. Conclusions: In frail patients with femoral contraindication and associated occluded internal carotid axis, the ipsilateral common transcarotid access represents a safe approach for TAVR, even in presence of a non-significant contralateral carotid stenosis.