Developments in transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis durability.

Introduction : Valve durability represents a main concern, as the target population for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) evolves to include lower risk and younger patients who are likely to survive for a number of years after the procedure. Areas covered : The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of potential mechanisms and rates of structural valve deterioration (SVD) of transcatheter bioprostheses. Expert opinion : Recently the standardized definitions of SVD proposed by European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) have permitted for the first time, an objective evaluation of existing and novel TAVI prostheses, and to compare their longevity versus surgical bioprostheses. Although the results of midterm durability of the transcatheter bioprostheses are encouraging, our knowledge concerning the clinical outcomes of TAVI beyond 5 years is still limited. Evidence of longer-term durability is mandatory before replacing surgery with TAVI, particularly in younger and lower-risk patients.