New devices for TAVI: technologies and initial clinical experiences

Treatment of aortic stenosis in high-risk surgical patients has been modified in the past 10 years owing to the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Several issues affecting outcomes with implantation of the first-generation TAVI devices remain unresolved, including haemorrhagic and vascular complications, neurological events, rhythm disturbances, and paravalvular leakage. Further technological improvements are, therefore, required before the indications for TAVI can be extended to young and low-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Many new-generation TAVI devices are currently in the early stages of clinical evaluation. Modifications in the new devices include the ability to reposition the valve before final deployment, features to reduce paravalvular leakage, and the introduction of low-profile delivery systems. The aim of this Review is to provide an overview of the new-generation transcatheter valvular technologies, including initial clinical reports.