Presentation
Follow up for cardiac intervention.
Patient Data
AP portable radiograph demonstrates a transcather aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Case Discussion
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement/implementation (TAVR/TAVI) is an alternative to traditional open surgical aortic valve replacement. Its initial role was in the setting of patients who were questionable surgical candidates, but in some centers it is becoming more routine.
Cardiac CT is useful for preprocedure aortic valve assessment and for evaluation of possible complications. On radiography, the shape and location of various TAVRs is important to recognize so they aren't potentially confused with other intrathoracic interventions, e.g. an esophageal stent.
The Medtronics CoreValve (pictured) and the Edwards Lifesciences Sapien XT are currently used transcather valves (2014).