A Novel Approach for Cerebral Embolic Protection With Single-Artery Access in TAVR.

BACKGROUND

Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) have been developed to decrease embolic brain injury and stroke during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Simplifying vascular access for a CEPD may increase procedural efficiency and safety FIRST-IN-HUMAN/EARLY REPORTS SUMMARY: This is the first published report of the use of the novel EnCompass F2 filter, which consists of a cylindrical nitinol frame and electrospun filter. Complete cerebral embolic protection during TAVR is possible through single femoral arterial access.

DISCUSSION: Cerebral protection was feasible and safe without device-related complications, clinical stroke, or other neurologic events. Postprocedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed only 1 very small, clinically insignificant new brain lesion.

NOVELTY: This presents the first successful use of a CEPD in TAVR through access by a single femoral artery.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: The use of the novel EnCompass F2 filter was feasible to provide complete cerebral embolic protection in TAVR using a single access.