Mini-invasive Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis with indication to aortic balloon valvuloplasty will be enrolled. An ad hoc informed consent for the procedure will be obtained from all patients.

This is a prospective observational study. The Investigators will include patients where aortic ballloon valvuloplasty is attempted by radial access and without temporary pacemaker implantation. The aim is to register and monitor the effectiveness and safety of this approach. Details regarding management of radial access and pacing with 0.035 wire can be found in the references reported below. The primary endpoint will be the 30-day occurence of minor and major vascular complications according VARC 2 classification. The safety endpoint will be the absence of intra- or periprocedural major complications in transradial balloon aortic valvuloplasty, namely balloon entrapment or compartment syndrome requiring surgical intervention.

The feasibility endpoint will be a procedural success rate ≥90%. The efficacy endpoint will be a reduction of the mean invasive gradient >30%. At baseline, Handgrip strength test will be performed and angiography of the instrumented arm will be performed at the beginning and at the end of the procedure. All patients will be prospectively followed-up for at least 30 days and all adverse events will be recorded. All patients will be assessed also for frailty according the clinical frailty scale (CFS). During the 30-day follow-up visit two independent blinded operators will evaluate radial artery patency by ultrasonography and perform handgrip strength test in in both arms in all patients.

Inclusion criteria

• severe symptomatic aortic stenosis requiring balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Exclusion criteria

• cardiogenic shock
• bilateral absence of radial pulse