Learning curves for transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the PARTNER-I trial: Technical performance, success, and safety.

Objectives: Introduction of hybrid techniques, such as transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TA-TAVR), requires skills that a heart team must master to achieve technical efficiency: the technical performance learning curve. To date, the learning curve for TA-TAVR remains unknown. We therefore evaluated the rate at which technical performance improved, assessed change in occurrence of adverse events in relation to technical performance, and determined whether adverse events after TA-TAVR were linked to acquiring technical performance efficiency (the learning curve).

Learning curves for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the PARTNER-I trial: Success and safety.

Objectives: To identify number of cases needed to maximize device success and minimize adverse events after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR), and determine if adverse events were linked to the technical performance learning curve.

Background: TF-TAVR is a complex procedure with an incompletely characterized learning curve for clinical outcomes.

Methods: From 4/2007-2/2012, 1521 patients underwent TF-TAVR in the PARTNER-I trial.