Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement Using a Subclavian Artery Graft

Over the past few years transcatheter heart valve implantation ( THI) has become an alternative treatment for aortic valve replacement. The THI does not require a midline sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass and can be performed through a transfemoral or a transapical approach. In case of severe peripheral vascular disease the transapical route is usually chosen. However, when the use of a small anterolateral thoracotomy is not preferred due to comorbidities, the subclavian artery can be considered as a third alternative route. This case report describes an approach for THI through the subclavian artery, by using a Dacron graft. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;94:e95-6) (C) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons