Trans-Apical Aortic Valve Implantation Complicated by Left Main Occlusion

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a highly effective procedure for selected patients who are at high risk for aortic valve replacement; however, the incidence of severe complications is still relevant. Coronary occlusion during TAVI is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of an 87-years-old woman affected by severe aortic stenosis, symptomatic for refractory heart failure, who underwent urgent balloon aortic valvuloplasty and subsequent elective transapical aortic valve implantation. Valve deployment was complicated by cardiac arrest and hemodynamic collapse, and left main coronary artery occlusion was recognized and successfully recovered by balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. Patient is alive and well 6 months after procedure. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.