Utility of the minimum-incision transsubclavian approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement on clinical outcomes in patients with small vessel anatomy.

Abstract Background The optimal approach for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), who are contraindicated for a transfemoral (TF) approach, is still controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the TAVR via a subclavian artery with a small diameter, by minimal incision and a double Z suture hemostasis technique using 18 Fr DrySeal Flex sheath, namely minimum-incision transsubclavian TAVR (MITS-TAVR), in patients contraindicated for the TF approach. Methods We included consecutive patients who underwent the MITS-TAVR (MITS group; n = 21) and TF-TAVR (TF group; n = 81) using the CoreValve Evolut R/PRO valves and examined the incidence of in-hospital adverse events and post-discharge mortality between the two groups. Results The mean body surface area was significantly smaller in the MITS group (1.33 ± 0.04 vs. 1.43 ± 0.02 m2; p = 0.045). The minimal lumen diameter of the femoral artery was significantly smaller in the MITS group (5.01 vs. 6.43 mm; p  Conclusions The MITS-TAVR using 18 Fr Dryseal Flex sheath was safe and effective and might be a promising alternative approach even in patients with a small body and small LSA diameter, who are contraindicated to the TF approach.