Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): first case in Thailand.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the standard treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). However many patients are not offered surgery due to high surgical risk for open AVR. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been an alternative to open heart surgery in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are not suitable for open surgery. The first transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Thailand via the transapical route is described. An 87-year-old woman with symptomatic severe AS, calcified aorta and peripheral arterial disease, who was at high surgical risk, was successfully treated, and had good functional and haemodynamic results at six-months follow-up.