Good periprocedural results with the self-expanding Portico valve system: are we ready to routinely move to low-risk patients?

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently moving towards a lower-risk population1. However, in order to aim for TAVI non-inferiority to SAVR in the setting of a low-risk population, two cornerstones must be established: 1) optimal procedural results (a low procedural mortality, incidence of stroke, significant paravalvular leak, new permanent pacemaker implantation and major vascular complications); 2) good long-term follow-up (adequate prosthesis durability; easy re-access for the coronary arteries; feasibility of TAVI-in-TAVI).

How to obtain optimal procedural results

In this issue of EuroIntervention, Millan-Iturbe et al2 report the 30-day and one-year clinical outcomes of 216 patients treated with the Portico™ ...