Comparative Analysis of PCI Strategies in Aortic Stenosis Patients Undergoing TAVI: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been increasingly used in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Since coronary artery disease (CAD) is common among these patients, it is crucial to choose the best method and timing of revascularization. This study aims to compare different timing strategies of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI to clarify whether PCI timing affects the patients' outcomes or not.MethodsA frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted comparing three different revascularization strategies in patients with CAD undergoing TAVI. The 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality, all-cause mortality at 1 year, 30-day rates of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major bleeding, and the need for pacemaker implantation at 6 months were analyzed in this study.ResultsOur meta-analysis revealed that PCI during TAVI had higher 30-day mortality (RR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.40-4.32) and in-hospital mortality (RR = 1.70, 95% CI = [1.08-2.69]) compared to no PCI. Post-TAVI PCI was associated with higher 1-year mortality compared to other strategies. While no significant differences in major bleeding or stroke were observed, PCI during TAVI versus no PCI (RR = 3.63, 95% CI = 1.27-10.43) showed a higher rate of 30-day MI.ConclusionOur findings suggest that among patients with severe AS and CAD undergoing TAVI, PCI concomitantly with TAVI seems to be associated with worse 30-day outcomes compared with no PCI. PCI after TAVI demonstrated an increased risk of 1-year mortality compared to alternative strategies. Choosing a timing strategy should be individualized based on patient characteristics and procedural considerations. In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the optimal timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains contentious. We conducted a network meta-analysis comparing different PCI timing strategies (pre-TAVI PCI, PCI during TAVI, and post-TAVI PCI). Findings indicate PCI during TAVI is associated with higher in-hospital and 30-day mortality compared to no PCI. Conversely, PCI after TAVI correlates with elevated 1-year all-cause mortality. Individualized decision-making, considering patient characteristics and procedural nuances, is crucial. image