Anaesthesia Techniques in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation : A Brief Review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative, less invasive method to use for aortic valve

replacement in high-risk patients. This operation allows a faster recovery, reduced tissue damage, less

postoperative pain, increased patient satisfaction, reduced intensive care unit (ICU) stay, avoidance of ICU

admission, reduced hospital stay, and reduced wound infection rates. A retrograde transfemoral approach

is commonly used in TAVI procedures. The role of the anaesthetist is important for a successful outcome.

General or local anaesthesia, with or without conscious sedation, may be used according to patient

characteristics, the presence of comorbidities, and the preference of the surgical team. There is no general

consensus regarding which patients should receive general or local anaesthesia during TAVI operations;

therefore, the surgical team’s preference has an important influence on the selection of anaesthetic technique.

There are many studies in the literature relating to the anaesthesia technique used in TAVI operations.

No matter which technique is used, anaesthetists should provide and maintain optimal haemodynamic

stability during the procedure. On the other hand, anaesthetists should be cautious of possible

procedural complications, such as hypotension, ventricular fibrillation, permanent pacemaker requirement,

and emergency aortic valve replacement requirement.