Minimum-incision trans-subclavian transcatheter aortic valve replacement with regional anesthesia

Abstract

Background: Minimum-incision trans-subclavian transcatheter aortic valve replacement (MITS-TAVR) is usually performed in patients who are contraindicated for transfemoral TAVR, under regional anesthesia (RA). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MITS-TAVR under RA compared to MITS-TAVR under general anesthesia (GA).

Methods: This single-center observational study included 44 consecutive patients who underwent MITS-TAVR under RA (RA group, n = 19) and GA (GA group, n = 25). RA was achieved using an ultrasound-guided nerve block.

Results: The rates of respiratory disease (RA vs. GA, 36.8 % vs. 4.0 %; p < 0.01) and dialysis (79.0 % vs. 0 %; p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the RA group. STS score was significantly higher in the RA group (RA vs. GA, 10.8 ± 1.06 % vs. 7.87 ± 0.93 %; p < 0.01). Both groups had a 100 % procedural success rate. The two groups showed comparable operation room stay times (RA vs. GA, 160 ± 6.96 min vs. 148 ± 5.90 min; p = 0.058). The mean rate of change in blood pressure, used as an index of hemodynamic stability, was significantly lower in the RA group (RA vs. GA, 19.0 ± 3.4 % vs. 35.5 ± 3.0 %; p < 0.01). No in-hospital deaths occurred in either group. One case of minor dissection occurred in the GA group (RA vs.GA, 0 % vs. 4.0 %, p = 0.378). The intensive care unit stay (RA vs. GA, 0.21 ± 0.11 days vs. 1.24 ± 0.10 days; p < 0.01) and hospital stay (RA vs. GA, 7.00 ± 1.73 days vs. 12.2 ± 1.44 days; p < 0.01) were significantly shorter in the RA group.

Conclusions: MITS-TAVR under RA is safe and effective and might be a promising alternative approach. It could ensure intraoperative hemodynamic stability and shorten intensive care unit and hospital stays.

Keywords: Regional anesthesia; Transcathether aortic valve replacement; Transsubclavian approach.