Balloon-Expandable and Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valves: Friend or Foe?

ABSTRACT

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with balloon-expandable (BE) or self-expanding (SE) transcatheter heart valves (THVs) is indicated for the treatment of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Limited data are available comparing the two THV designs, and evidence suggests that each may offer unique advantages. Herein are described two patients who underwent TAVR with BE-THV and SE-THV, and who each developed a device-related complication that was successfully treated by using the alternate THV design.