Chao VTT, Chua YL, Chiam PTL, Lee CY, See Tho VY, Tan SY, Sin YK, Hwang NC, Lim ST, Koh TH
Correspondence: Dr Victor T T Chao, victor.chao.t.t@nhc.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Percutaneous transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve has been demonstrated as an alternative to open heart surgery in high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are not suitable for open surgery. The majority of these new devices are delivered via the transfemoral approach. However, due to the current size of delivery sheaths, the small and tortuous iliofemoral anatomy makes this approach challenging. The transapical approach provides a viable option for this patient subgroup. The first-in-Asia transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical route is described. A 79-year-old Chinese woman with symptomatic severe AS and peripheral arterial disease, who was at high surgical risk, was successfully treated, and had good functional and haemodynamic results at the three-month follow-up.

Keywords: aortic valve stenosis, bioprosthesis, heart valve prosthesis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, transapical
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(1): 69-72
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