Reflections on transfemoral TAVI in dextrocardia with severe aortic regurgitation: Navigating anatomical complexity, off-label innovation, and future directions

Abstract

This reflective article explores the first reported case in literature of a transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in a dextrocardiac patient with severe aortic regurgitation (AR), left-sided superior vena cava (LSVC), and prohibitive surgical risk. It provides an overview of off-label TAVI for pure AR, aortic regurgitation without annular calcification, and in patients with rare congenital anomalies such as dextrocardia. The article discusses the technical, ethical, and procedural challenges, including device oversizing, the use of new-generation valves, and the risk of paravalvular leaks. The review also highlights recent advances in TAVI devices, procedural planning, and outcomes from multicenter studies and registries. The case underscores the importance of innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the evolution of ethical frameworks to guide the safe expansion of TAVI into complex scenarios.