Computed tomography angiography for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND:Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established alternative to surgery for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are not suitable candidates for surgical replacement of the aortic valve. The computed tomography (CT) technologist has a critical role in the care of patients undergoing TAVR. Because image acquisition and postprocessing for TAVR planning are highly complex, it is important for CT technologists involved in the planning to understand clinical detail, protocols, potential pitfalls, and factors that may influence workflow. PURPOSE:To describe, from the CT technologist's point of view, the details of CT angiography acquisition and postprocessing at 1 institution for patients being screened for TAVR. DISCUSSION:For TAVR patients, CT image acquisition and postprocessing is essential for a successful intervention. It is clinically essential to maintain and execute a detailed, standardized imaging approach. CONCLUSION:TAVR planning is among the most complex procedures in radiology. For these patients, meticulous image acquisition and image postprocessing protocols are paramount, and successful patient outcomes depend on attention to clinical detail, protocols, potential pitfalls, and factors that may influence workflow.