Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Cerebral Microembolization During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Comparing Balloon-expandable and Self-expanding Valves
Sponsor: Ivan Zeljkovic
Summary
This study will compare the amount of cerebral microembolization during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between two commonly used types of transcatheter aortic valves: balloon-expandable valves and self-expanding valves. Cerebral microembolization refers to small particles or material that may travel to the brain during the procedure. These signals can be detected using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, a non-invasive method for monitoring blood flow in the brain. Although clinically apparent stroke after TAVI is relatively uncommon, small silent brain lesions may occur, and their mechanisms are not fully understood. Adult patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis who are scheduled for TAVI will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a balloon-expandable or a self-expanding valve, both of which are established and routinely used treatment options. Transcranial Doppler monitoring will be performed before, during, and after the procedure to record the number of microembolic signals. The study will also record neurological events and procedural characteristics, such as procedure duration and the need for balloon dilatation. The aim of the study is to determine whether the type of valve is associated with a different burden of cerebral microembolization during TAVI. The results may help improve understanding of procedural factors related to cerebral embolization and may support future strategies for reducing neurological risk in patients undergoing TAVI.
Official title: Cerebral Microembolization During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Randomized Study Comparing Balloon-expandable and Self-expanding Valves
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2026-06-01
Completion Date
2027-02-01
Last Updated
2026-05-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve
A balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve will be implanted during a standard transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure in participants randomized to this intervention arm. This valve type is an established and routinely used treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Cerebral microembolization will be monitored using transcranial Doppler ultrasound before, during, and after the procedure.
Self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve
A self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve will be implanted during a standard transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure in participants randomized to this intervention arm. This valve type is an established and routinely used treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Cerebral microembolization will be monitored using transcranial Doppler ultrasound before, during, and after the procedure.
Locations (2)
Sisters of Charity Hospital Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
UH Dubrava
Zagreb, Croatia