SAPIEN S3 valve deployment in the pulmonary position using the gore DrySeal sheath to protect the tricuspid valve.

Background: Tricuspid valve injury can occur during implantation of a SAPIEN valve in the pulmonary position. We describe our experience using a long Gore DrySeal (GDS) sheath to protect the tricuspid valve during advancement of the Commander delivery system.
Methods: Retrospective single center review of all patients who underwent placement of a SAPIEN valve in the right ventricular outflow tract between January 2016 and April 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: delivery of the valve using standard technique (Group I), and with the use of a GDS (Group II), for comparison.
Results: There were 48 patients in total: 25 in Group I and 23 in Group II. In Group II, the first 10 patients had a 29 mm S3 placed through a 26 French (Fr), 65 cm GDS. We then performed additional crimping of the S3 onto the balloon after the balloon catheter was withdrawn to position the valve on the balloon outside the body. Subsequently, seven had a 29 mm S3 placed through a 24 Fr GDS, and four had a 26 mm S3 placed through a 22 Fr GDS including one weighing 16 kg. Two had a 23 mm S3 placed through a 22Fr GDS as the 20Fr GDS was not available in our lab. Severe tricuspid valve injury occurred in 2/25 (8%) of Group I patients and 0/23 of Group II patients.
Conclusion: Use of a long GDS may protect the tricuspid valve from injury during implantation of the S3 valve in the pulmonary position, and is technically feasible in smaller patients.
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