Transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients with degenerative aortic valve stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess a potential learning curve with the former technique based on the own experience with this novel procedure.
Klinik für Thorax- und Kardiovaskuläre Chirurgie, Westdeutsches Herzzentrum Essen, Universitätsklinikum der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.