Does Capturing Debris during TAVR Prevent Strokes?

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) has become the predominant intervention for the treatment of aortic stenosis.¹ The TAVR procedure involves navigation of a large-caliber valve delivery system around the aortic arch and across the stenotic valve. The new valve is deployed and secured in place, and the old valve is crushed behind the frame of the new valve and the aorta. Such interactions between the TAVR valve, the native valve, and the aorta generate debris consisting of fragments of arterial wall, thrombi, valve tissue, and foreign materials that are liberated into the circulatory system (Fig. 1) and can cause stroke.² Cerebral . . .