FOCUS ISSUE: STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation State-of-the-Art Paper Stroke Associated With Surgical and Transcatheter Treatment of Aortic Stenosis A Comprehensive Review

Stroke is a potential major complication of aortic valve replacement (AVR), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Although its occurrence is rare, stroke significantly affects survival and quality of life. Based on recent randomized data from the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) trial, TAVR has recently emerged as the preferred therapy for inoperable patients and as an alternative to surgical AVR in high-risk patients (1,2). Importantly, increased neurologic events associated with TAVR have raised concerns (2). We reviewed the available literature to better understand the frequency, predictors, and clinical impact of post-procedure stroke during different aortic valve therapies for aortic stenosis. Potential Sources of Embolization