Case Report: Selective metal cell excision during open TAVR implantation preserves coronary access while maintaining valve integrity and function

Background: Coronary access following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains challenging and should be carefully considered when planning re-intervention for patients with structural valve degeneration. Current management options [valve-in-valve (ViV) TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement and TAVR explant] both carry significant benefits and limitations. Case presentation: A 78-year-old female with a degenerated 23 mm Sapien 3 TAVR presented with severe prosthetic stenosis, moderate paravalvular leak (PVL), and progressive dyspnea. A standard TAVR ViV had a suboptimal risk of not addressing the PVL and worsening prosthesis-patient mismatch, whereas TAVR explantation and SAVR with root enlargement carried an increased surgical risk. Intervention: Open surgical TAVR explantation with direct re-implantation of a 26 mm Sapien Ultra valve, combined with selective metal cells excision facing the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and felt patch repair of the PVL. Outcome: The patient achieved immediate resolution of severe stenosis and elimination of PVL, with sustained clinical improvement at six-month follow-up and a more favorable coronary access. Conclusion: Selective metal cell excision during open TAVR implantation is a technically feasible approach to prophylactically preserve coronary access while maintaining valve integrity and function. This technique may benefit high-risk patients requiring TAVR explants and root enlargement SAVRs.