The ReTAVI Prospective Observational Registry

Between 1.4 and 2.8% of all patients undergoing transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation require a second THV implanted into the previously implanted THV because of clinically significant aortic regurgitation \[1-3\]. 90% of THV-in-THV implants were considered successful although the mortality in the redo-TAVI group was higher at similar STS risks as in those with a successful first implant. Redo-TAVI may also be a promising treatment strategy in degenerated THVs, but there is insufficient knowledge which strategy and valve design may result in the best outcomes \[4\]. Evidence so far reported is based on case reports and small case series, but not on a prospective, multicenter documentation. Currently, \~ 5% of THV are implanted in degenerated surgical bioprosthetic valves. With the expanded use of THV for treatment of lower risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (sAS), it is estimated that the number of patients requiring re-treatment for THV failure is likely to rise within the next years.