
11
Step
Procedure
10
Remove the stylet and flush the guidewire lumen of the delivery system.
CAUTION: The implanting physician must verify correct orientation of the valve prior to its
implantation.
7.3 Valvuloplasty and Valve Delivery
Valvuloplasty and valve delivery should be performed under general anesthesia with hemodynamic
monitoring in a catheterization lab/hybrid operating room with fluoroscopic and echocardiographic
imaging capabilities.
The following table shows the minimum required distances from the native valve annulus to the distal
tip of the A sheath to allow the A delivery system balloon to inflate properly during
valve deployment. These distances should be considered during the transaortic approach when
selecting the access site on the ascending aorta and determining the insertion depth of the
A sheath into the aorta.
Delivery System
Valve
Minimum Required
Distance From
Annulus to Sheath Tip
Model 9355AS23
23 mm
5.0 cm
Model 9355AS26
26 mm
5.5 cm
Model 9355AS29
29 mm
6.0 cm
Administer heparin to maintain the ACT at ≥ 250 sec.
CAUTION: Contrast media use should be monitored to reduce the risk of renal injury.
7.3.1 Baseline Parameters
Step
Procedure
1
Perform an angiogram with fluoroscopic view perpendicular to the valve.
2
Evaluate the height between the inferior aspect of the annulus and the inferior aspects of the lowest
coronary ostium for subsequent prosthetic aortic valve implantation.
3
Introduce a pacemaker (PM) lead until its distal end is positioned in the right ventricle.
4
Set the stimulation parameters, and test pacing.
7.3.2 Valvuloplasty
Refer to Ascendra Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty Catheter Instructions for Use (IFU) for information on
device preparation and handling for a stenotic aortic valve.
Note: Rapid ventricular pacing should be performed when using the Ascendra balloon aortic
valvuloplasty catheter for valvuloplasty prior to transcatheter valve implantation.
After placement of the balloon at the intended site, begin rapid ventricular pacing. Once the blood
pressure has decreased to 50 mmHg or below, balloon inflation can commence.
CAUTION: Valve implantation should not be carried out if the balloon cannot be fully inflated
during valvuloplasty.