Feasibility and technicality of aortic valve lithotripsy-facilitate balloon valvuloplasty in patients with severe aortic stenosis unsuitable for immediate valvular replacement
Abstract
Background
Aortic valve lithotripsy can fragment aortic valve calcium deposits and potentially restore leaflet pliability in animal model and ex-vivo, but clinical data is limited. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR) might not be feasible as an urgent procedure in critically ill patients. Balloon valvuloplasty has the major limitation of valve recoil and inducing aortic regurgitation.