Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a widely accepted procedure for treating patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. While transfemoral access remains the primary route due to its lower complication rates and favorable outcomes, a subset of patients have anatomical or clinical factors precluding this approach. For these patients, alternative access routes such as transaxillary, transcarotid, and transcaval provide viable options. This expert consensus statement aims to provide a comprehensive review of case selection, technical considerations, and outcomes associated with these alternative access routes in TAVR. Additionally, this document highlights the advancements in device technology and imaging guidance that have contributed to improving the safety and efficacy of alternative access TAVR. This consensus statement serves as a practical guide on best practices for interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and heart teams in selecting patients and performing alternative access TAVR.
Accreditation StatementThe Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit DesignationSCAI designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABIM MOCSuccessful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 1.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Successful CompletionTo earn credit, you must read the article and achieve a score of 75% or higher on the exam.