Transapical aortic stenting: an initial case series.

Aims: The standard approach for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is transfemoral; however, calcifications and tortuosity of the access vessels might be so extensive as to increase the operative risk markedly or preclude the procedure. This study evaluates the transapical approach as an alternative route for TEVAR in such patients.

Methods And Results: From June 2011 to July 2013, the institution's interdisciplinary board for aortic diseases initially denied TEVAR for eight patients with thoracic aortic pathology due to extensive calcification and tortuosity of the distal vessels.