Asymmetrical valve expansion after TAVR a cause for concern

Balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valves that fail to expand symmetrically may be associated with worse hemodynamic data, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Three patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. Images courtesy of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions and Maznyczka, et al. 

Calcified debris can sometimes lead to stent frame issues that cause a patient's TAVR valve to expand asymmetrically. Few studies have explored the potential impact of valve asymmetry—until now.