The long-term impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics

Abstract Background/Introduction The study of arterial properties in patients with aortic valve stenosis who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains challenging and results so far seem equivocal. Purpose We sought to investigate the acute and long-term effect of TAVI on arterial stiffness and wave reflections opting for a global approach. Methods We enrolled 90 patients (mean age 80.2±8.1 years, 50% males) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI. Arterial stiffness was assessed by both carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (cfPWV and baPWV). Augmentation index corrected for heart rate (AIx@75), an index of wave reflections, and central pressures were assessed with arterial tonometry. Measurements were conducted at baseline, after the procedure and at 1 year. Results Immediately post-TAVI there was a statistically significant increase in arterial stiffness (7.5±1.5 m/s vs 8.4±1.9 m/s, p=0.001 for cfPWV and 1,773±459 cm/s vs 2,383±645 cm/s, p<0.001 for baPWV) despite no change in systolic blood pressure. At 1-year follow-up, TAVI was still associated with an increase in arterial stiffness compared to pre-TAVI (7.5±1.5 m/s vs 8.7±1.7 m/s, p<0.001 for cfPWV and 1,773±459 cm/s vs 2,286±575 cm/s, p<0.001 for baPWV) but not to post-TAVI values. We also observed a decrease in AIx@75 (32.2±12.9% vs 27.9±8.4%, p=0.016) post-TAVI that was attenuated at 1 year (32.2±12.9% vs 29.8±9.1%, p=0.38). Conclusions Our study shows that after TAVI the arterial system exhibits an increase of stiffness in response to the acute relief of the obstruction, which is retained in the long term. Our findings further elucidate the immediate and long-term hemodynamic changes of TAVI to the aorta that may entail prognostic role in this growing population. Change of vascular biomarkers post-TAVI Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None