Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for LVAD-Associated Native Aortic Insufficiency: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND

Aortic insufficiency (AI) during long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support creates a maladaptive recirculatory loop that impairs forward flow, increases left ventricular filling pressures, leading to progressive congestion, and accelerates right ventricular dysfunction. Surgical correction carries high risk, making transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) an alternative strategy, although outcomes are challenged by complex annular geometry and the absence of calcific anchoring.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive LVAD-supported patients undergoing TAVI for native AI. Annular sizing was area-based with a predefined oversizing strategy of approximately 15-30%, adjusted to annular geometry. Balloon-expandable valves were implanted using controlled deployment under rapid pacing and temporary LVAD flow reduction. Outcomes were assessed according to VARC-3 definitions.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients underwent TAVI. The cohort demonstrated high anatomical complexity, including annular eccentricity (median 0.21 [IQR 0.19-0.23]), horizontal aorta (42.9%), and flared left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) morphology (50%). Median annular area was 528 mm2 (IQR 487-574), with area-derived diameter 25.9 mm (IQR 24.9-27.0). Mean oversizing was 21.9% (median 20.0%; range 15.1-30.3%). Technical and VARC-3 device success were achieved in 71.4%. Second valve implantation occurred in 28.6%. Procedural mortality was 0%. In-hospital mortality (21.4%) was related to low cardiac output and multi-organ dysfunction rather than device failure. No survivor had moderate or greater residual AI at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

In anatomically complex LVAD patients, an anatomy-driven balloon-expandable TAVI strategy achieved elimination of clinically significant AI with zero procedural mortality. In our interpretation, mortality reflected the advanced stage of heart failure at the time of intervention rather than acute device-related failure.