Distal embolization of Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis during transcatheter aortic valve implantation

AIM: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is considered an alternative therapy in high risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite this, such a minimally invasive procedure is not free from complications. CASE REPORT: An 86-year-old woman underwent a 26-mm SAPIEN TAVI for aortic valve stenosis. Procedure was complicated by valve embolization into the ascending aorta likely due to a sub-optimal positioning of prosthesis during its deployment. Patient was treated by surgical removal of stent-valve and conventional valve replacement. Patient was discharged from hospital 7 days after surgery. At six months follow-up she was asymptomatic and the valve had a good competence with a mean transaortic gradient of 8 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: After TAVI prosthesis embolization, conversion to conventional surgical treatment is imperative and can be associated with excellent outcome