Streamlining the learning process for TAVI: Insight from a comparative analysis of the OCEAN-TAVI and the massy registries

Backgrounds To facilitate the learning process of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Japan, unique supporting systems (e.g., on-site proctor and web-based screening systems) have been developed. Nevertheless, little is known about real-world clinical outcomes after TAVI in Japan compared with their European counterparts. Methods From the optimized catheter valvular intervention (OCEAN-TAVI, Japan) and the Institut Cardiovasculaire Paris Sud (Massy, France) registries, we evaluated a total of 134 and 178 patients, respectively, who underwent transfemoral TAVI during the same time period. Results Among the French cohort, about half of the patients (N = 81, 45.5%) were treated with the Edwards SAPIEN XT. Body surface area was significantly smaller in the Japanese cohort, although operative risks for both cohorts were almost the same. A greater percentage of patients in the Japanese cohort were implanted with 23 mm valves compared with the French cohort (73.1% vs. 23.0%, P