Embolic cerebral insults after transapical aortic valve implantation detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

Objectives: This study assessed the rate of periprocedural embolic ischemic brain injury during transapical aortic valve replacement in 25 consecutive patients.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is rapidly being established as a new therapeutic approach for aortic valve stenosis. Although initial clinical results are promising, it is unknown whether mobilization and embolization of calcified particles may lead to cerebral ischemia.