Transapical mitral valved stent implantation: Computertomographic studies

Aim: Off-pump transapical implantation of mitral valved stents is a novel approach for treatment of mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new prototype in vivo using computertomographic (CT) imaging. Methods: Six pigs received self-expanding nitinol valved stents in the mitral position via a transapical approach. Cardiac computed tomography was performed 10 days after implantation. The in vivo stent expansion, the formation of the valved stent and the area of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) were evaluated. Results: All animals were successfully implanted and w…