Objective: Percutaneous aortic valve replacement is a new emerging method for nonsurgical replacement of aortic valve in patients with severe aortic stenosis. We report the first-in-man case of percutaneous aortic valve replacement with self-expanding Core Valve aortic prosthesis.
Methods and results: The procedure was performed on 12 July 2004 on a 62 years patient with severe aortic stenosis (peak systolic gradients across aortic valve being 90 mm Hg), moderately severe aortic regurgitation and preserved left ventricular systolic function. The patient had associated morbidities like renal failure (raised blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels) and end-stage carcinoma of lung. Valve implantation was performed under general anesthesia with extracorporeal support using the retrograde approach. The patient was adequately screened prior to the procedure. The device was implanted successfully with post implantation peak systolic gradient across aortic valve being only 16 mm Hg. However, this patient died after four days due to renal failure and bleeding diathesis leading to multiorgan failure.
Conclusions: Percutaneous implantation of self-expanding CoreValve prosthesis in patients with severe aortic stenosis with or without aortic regurgitation is feasible. Long-term studies will determine its future.