Multicenter evaluation of Edwards SAPIEN positioning during transcatheter aortic valve implantation with correlates for device movement during final deployment

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the exact location of Edwards SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) devices in different stages of implantation and to quantify possible operator-independent device movement during final deployment. Background: Accurate device positioning during transcatheter aortic valve implantation is crucial in order to achieve optimal results. Methods: This multicenter study consisted of 68 procedures with reliable pacemaker capture. Device positions were assessed using fluoroscopic images and the C-THV system (Paieon Medical, Rosh Ha'Ayin, Israel). Results: The location after implantation was significantly higher than in the final stage of rapid pacing: 16.7 ± 16.3% of device height below the plane of the lower sinus border versus 32.6 ± 13.8%, p < 0.0001. Operator-independent device-center upper movement during final deployment was 2 ± 1.43 mm, range: -1.3 to 4.6 mm. Device movement was asymmetrical, occurring more in the lower part of the device than in its upper part (3.2 ± 1.4 mm vs. 0.75 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.001), resulting in device shortening. Multivariate analysis revealed that moderate and severe aortic valve calcification had 49% higher upward movement than mild calcification (p = 0.03), and aortic sinus volume was negatively correlated with movement size (r = -0.35, p = 0.005). This movement was independent of device version (SAPIEN vs. SAPIEN XT), procedural access (transfemoral vs. transapical), and interventricular septum width. Conclusions: The final Edwards SAPIEN position is mostly aortic in relation to the lower sinus border. There is an operator-independent upward movement of the device center during the final stage of implantation. Anticipated upward movement of the device should influence its positioning before final deployment.