The Prophylactic Chimney Snorkel Technique for the Prevention of Acute Coronary Occlusion in High Risk for Coronary Obstruction Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation Cases

Abstract

Coronary occlusion (immediate or delayed) is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement/implantation (TAVR/TAVI). Several patient-related, anatomical, device and procedural risk factors can be assessed to risk-stratify patients and assist in procedural planning. In patients at high risk for coronary occlusion, coronary protection measures should be employed. In the highest risk patients, consideration should be given to prophylactic techniques to prevent coronary occlusion. This how-to-do-it report provides a framework for risk assessment for coronary occlusion followed by a step-wise description of the emerging chimney snorkel coronary stenting technique as a predictable procedural approach for the management of this potentially challenging clinical scenario.

Keywords: Chimney stent; Snorkel stent; TAVI; TAVR; Transcatheter aortic valve implantation; Transcatheter aortic valve replacement.