The field of transcatheter therapies for valvular heart disease is a never-ending source of technical and device innovation, novel indications and new treatment solutions. The interest of the scientific community in this sub-discipline of interventional cardiology is demonstrated by the extraordinary volume of literature on the field, as well as the variety of national and international meetings, symposia and teaching courses focusing on this topic. The annual PCR London Valves meeting – this year back to its original venue– represents the world’s largest course specifically addressing the rapidly expanding and innovative field of transcatheter therapies for valvular heart disease. The agenda has been uniquely built to update all participants with the latest practical and scientific advances whilst also providing opportunities for Heart Teams to interact, exchange and learn.
The EuroIntervention PCR London Valves supplement, which incorporates a number of papers authored by some of the world’s most prominent physicians in the field, embodies the spirit and content of the meeting. This year’s Supplement has been divided into four sections, each headed by a brief editorial that summarises the rationale and content of the related section in a few lines.
The first section is a brief introduction to the role of imaging in heart valve interventions –an extremely important aspect of our daily activity. Today, interventional cardiologists involved in the management of valvular heart disease must be comfortable and familiar with several imaging modalities, particularly echocardiography and computed tomography. The subsequent three sections are dedicated to aortic, mitral and tricuspid interventions, respectively. Each includes a number of authoritative review articles dealing with “hot topics” and emerging technologies. Special attention has been paid to the mitral and tricuspid devices that carry the most interesting novel elements in the field.
This supplement would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation and support of many extraordinary colleagues and friends who have shared their knowledge and experience with us all. On behalf of the valve community, we thank you.
