BACKGROUND: Transfemoral access is the preferred approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. However, some situations, such as the presence of peripheral vascular disease, preclude the use of such access. In these cases, subclavian access is an alternative approach for this procedure. This study aimed at evaluating the Brazilian experience using the subclavian approach for transcatheter CoreValve® prosthesis implantation. METHODS: Aortic valve area < 1 cm², aortic valve ring ≥ 20 mm and ≤ 27 mm (26 mm and 29 mm CoreValve®), ascending aorta ≤ 43 mm and subclavian artery with a diameter ≥ 6 mm, without significant obstructive lesions, marked tortuosity and excess calcification were requisites for the procedure. The access through the subclavian artery was obtained by surgical dissection and, under direct vision, a subclavian artery puncture was performed. Once artery access was obtained, the standard technique was used. RESULTS: Between January 2008 and April 2012, 8 patients with peripheral vascular disease underwent CoreValve® prosthesis implantation through the subclavian artery in 4 institutions. The procedure was successful in all cases with reduction of the mean transvalvular pressure gradient from 46.4 ± 17.5 mmHg to 9.3 ± 3.6 mmHg (P = 0.0018) and improvement of symptoms. At 30 days and after 275 ± 231 days of follow-up, 87.5% and 62.5% of the patients, respectively, were free from major adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke and urgent cardiac surgery). CONCLUSIONS: In the Brazilian experience, the subclavian access was a safe and effective alternative for transcatheter CoreValve® implantation.
Aortic valve stenosis; Subclavian artery; Heart valve prosthesis
