ABSTRACT), age$75 years with a logistic EuroSCORE $15% or age>60 years plus additional specified risk factors were evaluated for TAVI. Examinations of study patients were performed before and 30 days after TAVI and comprised assessment of quality of life (Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, [MLHFQ]) 6-minute walk test, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Aortic valve prosthesis was inserted retrograde using a femoral arterial or a subclavian artery approach. Results In 44 consecutive patients (mean age 79.167 years, 50% women, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 55.868.5%) TAVI was successfully performed. Follow-up 30 days after TAVI showed a significantly improved quality of life (baseline 44619.1 vs 28617.5 MLHFQ Score, p<0.001) and an enhanced distance in the 6-minute walk test (baseline 2046103 vs 2666123 m, p<0.001). B-type natriuretic peptide levels were reduced (baseline 7256837 vs 4236320 pg/ml, p¼0.005). Conclusions Our preliminary results show a significant clinical benefit and a reduction of neurohormonal activation in patients with severe and symptomatic aortic valve stenosis early after TAVI.

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