Post-Dilatation in Balloon-Expandable TAVI Prostheses

Asymmetrical and inadequate expansion of transcatheter heart valves (THVs) have been described as a key predictor of impaired valve hemodynamic performance predisposing patients for bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) and death. Post-dilatation using the original delivery system balloon at the identical filling volume after deployment of balloon-expandable THVs represents an invasive strategy to potentially optimize expansion and reduce asymmetry of balloon-expandable THVs. Currently, the efficacy and safety of routine post-dilatation has never been assessed in a randomized controlled fashion. The present randomized controlled DUOTAP trial aims to assess efficacy and safety of routine post-dilatation on THV expansion, hemodynamics, durability, and associated clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis.