ABSTRACT
Since the first transcatheter aortic valve Implantation in 2002, >100,000 of these implantation procedures have been performed worldwide. This has resulted in a substantial number of published case series, registries, and randomized controlled trials. Diversity in technique and percutaneous valve devices, as well as disparity in the learning curve may potentially explain some of the discrepancies in outcomes that have been reported, but with time published data clearly show that outcomes for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve Implantation are improving. This improvement has been largely due to improved devices, growing operator experience and gradual changes to the procedure itself. The procedure is also being used in an off-label fashion for patients without native aortic valve stenosis, giving rise to new indications and options for treating patients with valvular disease. This chapter outlines the background, development and current contemporary practice with TAVI as therapeutic modality for patients with aortic valve disease.
