Balloon aortic valvuloplasty with or without percutaneous coronary intervention in the TAVR era.

Introduction The role of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) amid the era of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains a topic of debate. We sought to study the safety and feasibility of combined balloon aortic valvuloplasty and percutaneous coronary intervention (BAV-PCI). Methods Between November 2009 and July 2020, all patients undergoing BAV were identified and divided into three groups: combined BAV-PCI (group A), BAV with significant unrevascularised CAD (group B) and BAV without significant CAD (group C). Procedural outcomes, 30-day and one-year mortality were compared. Results A total of 264 patients were studied (n = 84, 93 and 87 patients in group A, B and C, respectively). The STS score was 10.2 ±8, 13.3 ±19 and 8.1 ±7, p = 0.026, in group A, B and C, respectively. VARC-3 adjudicated complications were similar among groups (11%, 13% and 5%, respectively, p = 0.168, respectively). Thirty-day and one-year mortality were 9.8% (n =26) and 32% (n = 86) of the entire cohort. The differences among groups did not reach statistical significance. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, group B were at higher risk of dying compared to group A patients (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.11 - 2.25, p = 0.010). With multivariate Cox regression analysis, the predictors of mortality were STS score, cardiogenic shock, and mode of presentation and lack of subsequent definitive valve intervention. Conclusion In high-risk patients with aortic valve stenosis, combined BAV-PCI is safe and feasible with comparable outcomes to BAV with and without significant CAD.