Comparison of Complete Versus Incomplete Stent Frame Expansion After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Medtronic CoreValve Bioprosthesis

We sought to determine the significance of incomplete stent frame expansion after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Medtronic-CoreValve device. Incomplete coronary stent expansion is a well-described phenomenon. Transcatheter valves are mounted on stents; however, the incidence of incomplete stent expansion after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, its sequelae and predictors are poorly elucidated. The 18Fr CoreValve revalving system was used to treat anatomically and clinically suitable patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis. The postdeployment stent dimensions were measured on fluoroscopic images at multiple levels of the stent frame. Incomplete expansion at each was defined as