Geometry and degree of apposition of the CoreValve ReValving system with multislice computed tomography after implantation in patients with aortic stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
Using multislice computed tomography (MSCT), we sought to evaluate the geometry and apposition of the CoreValve ReValving System (CRS, Medtronic, Luxembourgh, Luxembourgh) in patients with aortic stenosis.


BACKGROUND
There are no data on the durability of percutaneous aortic valve replacement. Geometric factors may affect durability.


METHODS
Thirty patients had MSCT at a median 1.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 0 to 7 months) after percutaneous aortic valve replacement. Axial dimensions and apposition of the CRS were evaluated at 4 levels: 1) the ventricular end; 2) the nadir; 3) central coaptation of the CRS leaflets; and 4) commissures. Orthogonal smallest and largest diameters and cross-sectional surface area were measured at each level.


RESULTS
The CRS (26-mm: n = 14, 29-mm: n = 16) was implanted at 8.5 mm (IQR 5.2 to 11.0 mm) below the noncoronary sinus. None of the CRS frames reached nominal dimensions. The difference between measured and nominal cross-sectional surface area at the ventricular end was 1.6 cm(2) (IQR 0.9 to 2.6 cm(2)) and 0.5 cm(2) (IQR 0.2 to 0.7 cm(2)) at central coaptation. At the level of central coaptation the CRS was undersized relative to the native annulus by 24% (IQR 15% to 29%). The difference between the orthogonal smallest and largest diameters (degree of deformation) at the ventricular end was 4.4 mm (IQR 3.3 to 6.4 mm) and it decreased progressively toward the outflow. Incomplete apposition of the CRS frame was present in 62% of patients at the ventricular end and was ubiquitous at the central coaptation and higher.


CONCLUSIONS
Dual-source MSCT demonstrated incomplete and nonuniform expansion of the CRS frame, but the functionally important mid-segment was well expanded and almost symmetrical. Undersizing and incomplete apposition were seen in the majority of patients.
Schultz
Carl J
CJ
Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Weustink
Annick
A
Piazza
Nicolo
N
Otten
Amber
A
Mollet
Nico
N
Krestin
Gabriel
G
van Geuns
Robert J
RJ
de Feyter
Pim
P
Serruys
Patrick W J
PW
de Jaegere
Peter
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed