Transapical aortic valve implantation in humans

Calcific aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease affecting the elderly. Surgical aortic valve replacement improves symptoms and prognosis, but mortalities may be as high as 20% in elderly patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Catheter-based aortic valve implantation was recently achieved through antegrade venous and retrograde arterial routes. We report on the deployment of an aortic valve prosthesis for severe aortic stenosis through the apex of the left ventricle in a 75-year-old patient without cardiopulmonary bypass or sternotomy.