Standard imaging techniques in transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as the preferred treatment strategy in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis considered at intermediate, high or extreme risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Its use may soon be extended to patients at low risk, for surgery as well (1-4). While TAVR offers the benefit of a minimally invasive or entirely percutaneous approach with more rapid recovery, the preoperative evaluation entails extensive imaging utilizing a variety of modalities. While this complex work-up is necessary to ensure optimal outcomes, it requires not only the technology but the expertise in interpretation to extract the maximal benefit from the information obtained