Post‐dilation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objectives

The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR with and without balloon post‐dilation (PD).

Background

PD is a commonly used technique in TAVR to minimize paravalvular regurgitation (PVR), albeit supported by little evidence.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of 6 studies comparing 889 patients who had PD compared to 4118 patients without PD.

Results

Patients undergoing PD were more likely male (OR 1.92; 95% CI, 1.41‐2.61; P < 0.001) and to have coronary artery disease (OR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.68; P = 0.03) than those patients not requiring PD. There were no significant differences in 30‐day mortality (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 0.88‐1.74; P = 0.22) and myocardial infarction (OR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.46‐1.90; P = 0.85). Patients undergoing TAVR did not have higher 1‐year mortality rates (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.61‐1.56; P = 0.92). The incidence of stroke was significantly greater in patients with PD (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.10‐2.66). PD was able to reduce the incidence of moderate‐severe PVR by 15 fold (OR 15.0; 95% CI, 4.2‐54.5; P < 0.001), although rates of moderate‐severe PVR were still higher after PD than patients who did not require PD (OR 3.64; 95% CI, 1.96‐6.75; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PD significantly improves rates of PVR, however careful patient selection is needed to minimize increased risk of strokes.