title: Access platform techniques for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the unique variables for successful implantation of transcatheter aortic valves involves the ability to secure an access route for deployment of the aortic valve.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A large number of the high-risk patients with critical aortic stenosis referred for transcatheter valve implantation approach may not be candidates for the femoral approach due to peripheral vascular disease with the morbidity and mortality increased severalfold in patients who develop access related complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A thorough knowledge and review of various alternate access site techniques and trouble shooting are therefore important and required by the implanting cardiac surgeons involved in transcatheter aortic valve therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The article review highlights the various percutaneous, hybrid, and surgical access techniques platforms available as well as options for implantation of these devices.
authors.affiliation: Hoag Heart Valve Center, Hoag Presbyterian Memorial Hospital, One Hoag drive, Newport Beach, California 96663, USA. jkpodonu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kpodonu
authors.forename: Aidan A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Raney
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012307:Risk Factors