Simplifying transfemoral ACURATE neo implantation using the TrueFlow nonocclusive balloon catheter

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) facilitated by predilatation with the nonocclusive TrueFlow balloon catheter. Background Now that TAVR is moving forward, physicians have attempted to simplify and streamline the procedure and the so‐called minimalist approach has become more popular. Methods We enrolled 142 patients (mean age: 82 ± 5 years, 61% female) in a prospective registry. Patients at low risk for intraprocedural third‐degree atrioventricular block (AVB) underwent TAVR with the TrueFlow balloon without rapid pacing and without insertion of a provisional pacemaker (n = 121). The remaining 21 patients were predilated with rapid pacing using a provisional pacemaker and a standard balloon. Results Predilatation with the TrueFlow balloon was successful in all 121 patients. Postdilatation was less frequently required after predilatation with the TrueFlow (25% vs. 57%, p = .003). Moreover, median procedural duration with the TrueFlow was significantly shorter (42 [interquartile range, IQR: 34–53] vs. 55 [IQR: 46–61] min, p = .004). In‐hospital outcomes were similar. At 30 days, there was no mortality, two (1%) patients had suffered a stroke and only four (3%) had required implantation of a new pacemaker. Conclusion Among patients with a low risk for intraprocedural third‐degree AVB, the TrueFlow nonocclusive balloon catheter facilitates implantation of the ACURATE neo without the necessity of rapid pacing and a provisional pacemaker.