Transcatheter treatment approaches for aortic valve disease.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the management of symptomatic aortic stenosis has evolved rapidly over the last ten years, to the point where TAVI has recently been established as the standard of care for inoperable patients. With the results of further trials, steady improvements in device design and a greater understanding, it is anticipated that the indications for TAVI will expand to include patients at high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement. As we see the widespread implementation of TAVI programs worldwide, it is timely for a review on the current status of percutaneous transarterial implantation of the aortic valve.