Published online Dec 26, 2017. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v9.i12.853
Peer-review started: September 12, 2017
First decision: September 25, 2017
Revised: October 21, 2017
Accepted: November 8, 2017
Article in press: November 8, 2017
Published online: December 26, 2017
Processing time: 101 Days and 6.4 Hours
Pre-procedural planning is the key element of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Multislice computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with the ability to perform a 3-dimensional reconstruction has become the cornerstone of pre-procedural planning. We would like to encourage TAVI operators (interventional cardiologist and surgeons) to get involved in imaging. All TAVI operators should know how to assess the annulus, the annular root, and the iliofemoral access. We strongly believe that this will improve outcomes of this evolving procedure.
Core tip: We have noticed that only a minority of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons routinely look at their patients MDCTs and know how to perform a three dimensional multiplanar reconstruction. With this editorial, we would like to encourage all transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) operators to get involved in cardiac imaging. We do believe that this will improve outcomes. In case a complication occurs, TAVI operators will be more likely to understand the nature of the complication and learn from it. And this again will lead to improved outcomes in future.