Best Practices for Imaging of Transcatheter Valve Failure: An Update From the Heart Valve Collaboratory

Abstract

This updated Heart Valve Collaboratory framework addresses the growing concern for transcatheter valve failure (TVF) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). With the increasing volume of redo-TAV and surgical TAV explantation, there is a critical need for standardized pathways and protocols for evaluating TVF using echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography. This document clarifies prior definitions of bioprosthetic valve deterioration and bioprosthetic valve failure in a practical, imaging directed context for TAVR. It discusses various imaging modalities for diagnosing TVF, including echocardiography, cardiac CT angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography/CT. Recommendations are provided on the systematic imaging for: 1) follow-up post-TAVR; 2) procedural planning for redo-TAV; and 3) post-redo-TAV, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and the need for comprehensive imaging data to optimize patient outcomes in the lifetime management of aortic valve disease.

Keywords: cardiac computed tomography angiography; structural valve deterioration; transcatheter aortic valve replacement; transesophageal echocardiography; transthoracic echocardiography.