Robert A. Guyton

Letter by Grover et al Regarding Article, “Percutaneous Implantation of the CoreValve Self-Expanding Valve Prosthesis in High-Risk Patients With Aortic Valve Disease: The Siegburg First-in-Man Study”

To the Editor:nnWe believe that transvascular and transapical implantation of cardiac valves is an important developing technology. In our opinion, however, the article “Percutaneous Implantation of the CoreValve Self-Expanding Valve Prosthesis in High-Risk Patients With Aortic Valve Disease: The Siegburg First-in-Man Study”1 inaccurately describes results of current therapy in order to favorably portray the 80% hospital survival with this device.nnThe authors claim “up to 50%” operative mortality for surgical aortic valve replacement, citing 3 references. Reference 1 reports an overall mortality of 6%. Reference 2 reveals a mortality of 6% for aortic valve replacement in elderly patients. Reference 3 focuses on long-term survival. The Society of Thoracic …