The transapical approach for aortic valve implantation

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2008.06.028 Byline: Andreas Zierer (a), Gerhard Wimmer-Greinecker (a), Sven Martens (a), Anton Moritz (a), Mirko Doss (a) Abbreviations: AVI, aortic valve implantation; TAP-AVI, transapical aortic valve implantation; AVR, aortic valve replacement; CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass Abstract: Percutaneous aortic valve implantation has been performed clinically in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Transfemoral retrograde valve delivery is limited by concomitant peripheral vascular disease and the size of the delivery system. We report on the alternative transapical approach that allows accurate antegrade placement of a catheter-deliverable aortic valve. Author Affiliation: (a) Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany Article History: Received 1 April 2008; Revised 18 May 2008; Accepted 15 June 2008