Lambl's excrescence in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: prevalence and risk of embolic events.

Background: The role of aortic valve Lambl's excrescence (LEs) in determining ischemic events has not been well clarified, but they can represent a potential embolic source during procedures with catheter/device manipulation through the aortic valve. Aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of LEs and the rate of embolism in patients with aortic valve stenosis scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods: Our population was divided into two groups, named LEs and no-LEs.

Carotid Doppler sonography: additional tool to assess hemodynamic improvement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess the arterial cerebral blood flow variations in patients with aortic valve stenosis, immediately after the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods: The study population includes 62 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI for aortic valve stenosis (95%) and sugical bioprosthesis degeneration (5%). Carotid Doppler examination was performed recording blood flow, systolic peak velocity, time average mean velocity and mean acceleration time at baseline, after balloon aortic valvuloplasty, and within 10 min after the device release.

Clinical results with the 31 mm CoreValveª in large aortic annuli: the importance of implantation technique.

Aims: The CoreValve Revalving System (CRS) (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is currently available in four sizes: 23 mm, 26 mm, 29 mm and 31 mm. Aim of our study was to assess the acute clinical results after implantation of a 31 mm CRS.