Successful implantation of the Edwards Sapien THV via direct aortic access in a patient with previous pneumonectomy and no other access.

The Edwards Sapien transcatheter heart valve (THV) is available for treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis via transfemoral access or trans-apical access when ilio-femoral vessels are considered unsuitable. Some patients, however, may be unsuitable for access via either of these routes. We describe successful implantation of an Edwards Sapien THV via direct access of the ascending aorta in a patient with previous right pneumonectomy and pulmonary disease who was considered unsuitable for implantation via femoral vessels or via trans-apical approach. The potential advantages of this novel access route over trans-apical approach are discussed.