First human case description of TandemHeart-assisted high-risk percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty using bivalirudin anticoagulation.

TandemHeart is a recently-introduced percutaneous left ventricular assist device that can be used for hemodynamic support during high-risk interventional procedures in severely compromised patients. Angioplasty and stent placement in patients with coronary artery disease and high-risk coronary anatomy including the left main coronary artery have been described using this device. We report the first human case description of a high-risk percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty for critical bicuspid aortic stenosis using the TandemHeart for periprocedural hemodynamic support. Also not previously reported is the use of bivaluridin as the periprocedural antithrombin agent during and after high-risk aortic valvuloplasty.