“The fundamental principle that debris is released during TAVR, enters the brain circulation, and can inflict brain damage that may result in overt stroke or neurocognitive deficit is undisputed.”
Periprocedural Stroke Is a Significant Problem
During structural heart procedures, embolic debris (particles) are dislodged and released into the cerebral blood flow presenting a risk to the patient. This is commonly referred to as the “Debris Shower”. Embolic debris entering the brain can lead to major disabling stroke and neurological damage and cognitive decline (memory loss) which is associated with increased mortality and early reduced quality of life. Periprocedural stroke (clinical stroke) in TAVR procedures has been reported as high as 9% for unprotected patients.
The risk of stroke and cerebral lesions during and post structural heart procedures such as TAVR is high due to embolic debris released during the procedure.
¹Kapadia SR, et al. SENTINEL Trial Investigators. Protection Against Cerebral Embolism During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;69:367-77.
The fear of stroke during TAVR is high among patients, young and old.
A stroke rate above 1% is clinically unacceptable.
