Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Anesthesia Implications

Aortic stenosis is a severe valvular disorder resulting in outflow obstruction of the left ventricle. The disease affects 2-4% of patients over 65 years of age.1 The incidence of sudden cardiac death is high, especially in those with untreated symptomatic aortic stenosis.1 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is less invasive technique that appeals to those deemed to high risk for traditional sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and open aortic valve replacement (AVR).2 This article will recount the events that took place in one TAVR case. The principles of anesthetic management for aortic stenosis and the transcatheter approach to valve replacement are discussed.