Need for embolic protection during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An interventionalist's perspective on histopathology findings

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive aortic valve replacement technique and is indicated for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and a high operative risk. Cerebral embolisation seems inherent to TAVI, as illustrated by the consistent appearance of new brain lesions on post-procedural MRI studies. Embolic protection devices may capture or deflect embolised material en route to the brain and thus reduce TAVI-related brain injury. Histopathology studies of captured debris revealed a diverse aetiology including recent or organised thrombotic material, tissue originating from the aortic valve, atherosclerotic plaques or myocardium and foreign body components. In this overview we provide a perspective on current evidence and implications for embolic protection devices in the dynamic TAVI field.

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