Percutaneous valved stent implantation above the coronary ostia.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, some experimental and clinical studies on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have been conducted. TAVI is indicated in patients with calcified pure or predominant aortic stenosis. The risk of this technique is still high. Aortic valved stent implantation above the coronary ostia might avoid blocking the coronary ostia.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

Twenty healthy dogs were selected to establish a canine model of acute aortic valve rupture. The dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups: the rupture model group without any treatment and the valved stent group with percutaneous valved stent implantation above the coronary ostia. The 2 groups of animals were followed up for 3 months. Echocardiography and other tests were performed to assess aortic regurgitation and ventricular function. Acute aortic valve rupture models were successfully established in 16 of 20 dogs. In the rupture model group, the mean aortic regurgitation was 6.8 ± 1.9 ml/s; only 3 of 8 animals survived for 3 months. In the valved stent group, the mean aortic regurgitation was 7.0 ± 2.1 ml/s; valved stents were successfully implanted in 8 animals. Instant post-implantation anatomy showed that the stents were located appropriately. Seven dogs survived for 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous valved stent implantation above the coronary ostia is feasible and effective as a transitional treatment for acute aortic valve rupture.