Transcaval TAVR—What the Radiologist Needs to Know

Abstract

Transcaval transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a new approach in performing percutaneous aortic valve replacement in which aortic access is obtained by way of the femoral vein and inferior vena cava. Computed tomographic angiography is used to determine patient suitability and in preprocedural planning. CTA is also part of routine follow-up care to assess for potential caval-aortic access site complications. Postprocedural imaging findings at the caval-aortic site include aortocaval fistula, aortic dissection, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and pseudoaneurysm. The purpose of this manuscript is to familiarize the reader with the technical aspects of this new procedure and the periprocedural assessment of the caval-aortic access site with CTA.