Severe calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is commonly seen in the elderly population, and as human longevity increases, the prevalence of severe AS is bound to increase. Symptomatic severe AS, if left untreated, carries high mortality with 2-year survival below 50%. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) had been the standard of care for such patients with excellent outcome. As the patient’s comorbidities increase, so does surgical risk for SAVR. Since its first human use in 2002 and commercial approval in 2007 (CE mark, Europe), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has come up as an excellent alternative to SAVR in patients with higher surgical risk profile. Iterations in device design added to enhanced operator experience can be attributed towards improved clinical outcomes. Indications for TAVR continues to expand and now includes patients with intermediate surgical risk as well. This chapter discusses indications and evidence for TAVR and touches upon patient selection and complications after TAVR.
Part of the book: Aortic Stenosis