Next-generation transcatheter aortic valves. An opportunity to expand therapeutic indications?

Interventional cardiologists have spent years working on and dreaming about transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In 20072008 we were privileged in Spain to use 2 of the most commonly-implanted devices at the time: the Cribier-Edwards aortic valve prosthesis and the CoreValve self-expanding prosthesis. These devices had successful initial results in highsurgical-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, it soon became apparent that the devices had a number of limitations preventing their use in all patients with severe aortic stenosis. Furthermore, the implantation procedure sometimes led to complications and suboptimal results. After this initial experience, interventional cardiologists have now identified some areas where they would like to see technical improvements: