Published in:
01-11-2012 | Original Paper
Effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on the ascending aorta’s elasticity
Published in: Clinical Research in Cardiology | Issue 11/2012
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Background
The elastic properties of the ascending aorta were studied before and 1 week after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Previous studies have shown that the distensibility of the ascending aorta was decreased in the early post-operative period after aortic valve replacement. Aortic stiffness is a major moderator of arterio-ventricular coupling and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality. We evaluated the effect of TAVI on the elastic properties of the ascending aorta in the early post-operative period.
Methods
Aortic distensibility (AD) and Aortic Stiffness Index (ASI) were evaluated using echocardiographic techniques and brachial artery pressure obtained by sphygmomanometry 2–3 days before and 7–8 days after TAVI.
Results
A total of 30 patients (14 males) were studied with a mean age of 79.9 ± 4.7 years and aortic valve area before TAVI of 0.61 ± 0.16 cm2. Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after TAVI (from 89.6 ± 8.9 mmHg to 83.3 ± 10.9 mmHg, p = 0.004). AD did not change significantly after TAVI (pre: 1.89 ± 1.11 cm2/(dynes × 106), post: 2.05 ± 1.50 cm2/(dynes × 106); p = 0.813). ASI also remained unchanged (pre: 11.4 ± 6.5, post: 15.6 ± 14.9; p = 0.349).
Conclusions
The elastic properties of the ascending aorta did not change significantly in the early post-procedural period after TAVI. This may in part be attributable to the less invasive procedure (compared to aortic valve replacement) which has no effect on vasa vasorum flow.