Comparison of Balloon-Expandable and Self-Expandable Valves in Patients with Transcatater Aortic Valve Implantation in Terms of Demographic and Complications and Evaluation of the Predictors of Complications: A Retrospective Single Center Experience

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) offers an alternative to surgery for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Currently, the most commonly used valves for clinical use are the Balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN and Self-expandable CoreValve Revalving valves. The aim of our study is to compare these valve types used in TAVI procedures performed in our center and to determine the predictors of complications. Material and Methods: 96 patients who underwent TAVI in our center were included in our study. Pre-procedural clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data of patients who underwent TAVI were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Complications developed in 31 (32.3%) of the patients. Total complications were found to be higher in patients with balloon-expandable valve (18 vs. 13, p=0.036, respectively). In patients who developed complications, hemoglobin and hematocrit values at the time of admission to the hospital were found to be significantly lower, and C-reactive protein was found to be high. Among the echocardiographic findings at admission, the aortic valve area was found to be narrower and the maximum and mean gradient was higher in patients with complications. Conclusion: In our study, a lower complication rate was observed in self-expandable valves. Some independent markers of TAVI-specific complications and mortality were identified. Examination of new predictors and development of a TAVI-specific scoring system may be considered in future prospective controlled studies.