Ole De Backer
Latest contributions
Revisiting aortic valve replacement in light of the new ESC/EACTS guidelines
04 Feb 2026
Register for free to this webinar on Wednesday 4 March at 5:00pm with O. De Backer, A. Öner and L. Conradi and T. Pilgrim and learn about why and how cardiac CT is playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation of...
All about PCR’s Teaching Assessment Board (TAB)
03 Dec 2025
Learn how session feedback is compiled to create a virtuous cycle of continuous refinement for education in #interventionalcardiology
When the first TAVI fails: no panic, just planning
19 Jan 2026
An 81-year-old man with history of severe aortic stenosis previously treated with a balloon-expandable transcatheter valve was referred for progressive exertional dyspnea due to bioprosthetic valve degeneration.
How would you treat this patient?
Author
Single operator TAVI: where expertise meets consistency
18 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
This session addresses the concept of single operator transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), emphasizing the integration of expertise with procedural consistency. Follow a discussion on the benefits of simplifying TAVI to a single operator approach facilitated by an electronically enabled delivery system. The session offers a...
Iatrogenic atrial septum defect closure: a necessary procedure?
18 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
This session addresses the clinical considerations surrounding iatrogenic atrial septal defects (ASDs) resulting from transseptal procedures. It covers prevention of residual defects, diagnostic evaluation, criteria for closure, procedural timing, and management strategies for related complications, supported by illustrative clinical cases demonstrating decision-making nuances.
Prevention and management of TAVI complications
17 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
This session is dedicated to the prevention and management of complications associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Participants gain critical knowledge on managing vascular access challenges, anticipating and preventing valve malposition, handling device embolism, and evaluating coronary obstruction risks with effective prevention and bailout strategies.
Exceptional engineering, predictable outcomes - Latest development of the VitaFlow TAVI device
17 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Discover the latest advancements in the VitaFlow transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) device. This session highlights the electronically enabled VitaFlow Liberty system, delivering consistent immediate and mid-term clinical results. Watch real-world demonstrations of complex cases, including heavily calcified aortas and pure aortic regurgitation, and get a...
Planning a lifetime of care in younger patients with Evolut FX+: from index valve to future options
17 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Watch this PCR London Valves 2025 session to take a deep look at the latest evidence in low-risk aortic stenosis, the durability of contemporary valves, and how anatomy — especially in women and patients with small annuli — shapes long-term strategy.
From index TAVI with Evolut FX+...
Complications of LAA closure - Avoidance and management
17 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Focused on the prevention and management of complications in left atrial appendage (LAA) closure, this session covers recognition of key procedural risks, techniques for safe transseptal puncture, and strategies to prevent and address device embolisation, pericardial effusion, residual leaks, and device-related thrombus, ensuring procedural safety and...
Mitral TEER and LAA closure - LIVE Case
17 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Watch a LIVE case followed by a recorded case regarding a 91-year-old female with permanent AF, LAD PCI three months earlier, and recurrent GID bleeding who presented with symptomatic severe primary mitral regurgitation due to P2 prolapse and flail. CT imaging showed a LAA with a...
Getting the full potential of the supra-annular valve in a changing landscape
16 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
This session explores the evolving landscape of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a focus on supra-annular valve technology. It covers techniques for achieving commissural alignment, considerations for small aortic annuli, and advantages in treating bicuspid aortic valve disease, supported by clinical data and illustrative cases.
Align for the future with next gen Myval transcatheter heart valve series
16 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Discover how the latest Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) innovations are shaping TAVI outcomes. This PCR London Valves 2025 session highlights the clinical evidence behind the next-gen Myval THV series, best practices for implantation, and upcoming innovations set to improve patient care. Learn step-by-step techniques for deploying Myval...
Redo TAVI with pre and post dilatation - LIVE Case
16 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
Watch this live case followed by a live in a box case, regarding a 93-year-old woman with hypertension, chronic bronchitis, and a history of TAVI with a Sapien 3 23 mm (2016) who presented with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and mildly reduced LV function (50%). An...
Valve selection in urgent TAVI: evidence from small annulus studies - Hotline
16 Nov 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2025
This session presents cutting-edge research comparing self-expanding and balloon-expandable valves in urgent and emergent TAVI settings, with a focus on small aortic annuli. It includes data from the NAVULTRA and LANDMARK trials, featuring novel biomimetic balloon-expandable valves and early feasibility studies that shed light on valve...
LAAC: current and future indications
03 Jun 2025
Watch the replay of this webinar and learn about the evidence (current guidelines and indications) for LAAC in 2025, and so much more!
Combined LAA closure and transcatheter mitral valve repair - LIVE Case
22 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
An 82-year-old male patient with a history of PM (pacemaker) implantation in 2024, and ischaemic cardiomyopathy presented with symptomatic heart failure due to severe secondary mitral regurgitation and impaired LV function (EF 40 %). He also presented with recurrent gastro-intestinal bleeding while on DOAC for atrial...
Successful finale - Latest best practices and technologies for large hole arterial and venous closure
22 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
This session covers the latest best practices and technologies for large hole arterial and venous closure, focusing on minimising vascular complications.
Learn about a novel patch-based closure system with encouraging early results in TAVI cases, highlighting the importance of deployment angle and ultrasound guidance.
The venous case presentation...
All you need to know on aorto iliac disease during TAVI: from access to complications management
22 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
Gain expertise in managing aorto-iliac disease during TAVI procedures, from access planning to complication management. This session covers key imaging techniques, decision-making regarding stenting and lesion modification, approaches to access-related complications, and criteria for involving vascular surgeons, ensuring procedural safety and success.
Which valve is best for my patient?
21 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
This session guides clinicians in selecting the most appropriate transcatheter aortic valve tailored to individual patient characteristics. Through diverse case discussions, including patients with coronary artery disease, small anatomies, bicuspid valves, and surgical bioprostheses, it elucidates decision-making processes and planning for complex TAVI anatomies.
Case-based learning on different aspects of transcatheter LAA closure
21 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
Engage in case-based learning focused on transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. This session covers safe transseptal puncture techniques, state-of-the-art standard LAA closure procedures, management of challenging LAA anatomies, and optimization of post-procedure antithrombotic therapy in high-risk patients.
Innovations in TMVR and Intrepid trial updates
21 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
This EuroPCR 2025 session highlights the evolving role of transcatheter mitral valve replacement, focusing on the clinical potential of mitral regurgitation elimination. Get an overview of the current status of the Intrepid TMVR programme, learn about the transition to the 29Fr transfemoral system, and explore how...
Hotline TAVI 1: extended analysis of the randomised trials
21 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
Gain comprehensive insights from extended analyses of randomized TAVI trials. This session reviews five-year UK TAVI outcomes, cardiac damage evolution in asymptomatic aortic stenosis, one-year results from the LANDMARK trial, and three-year comparisons of balloon-expandable valves, highlighting critical clinical implications.
Challenges and solutions in an expanding TAVI world
20 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
This EuroPCR 2025 session addresses key challenges and emerging solutions in today’s rapidly evolving TAVI landscape. It presents the latest evidence on valve replacement in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, alongside strategies for navigating the complexities of lifetime management in TAVI candidates. The programme features a...
Learnings from Evolut Low Risk 5-year and SMART 2-year trials : from evidence to practice
21 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
At EuroPCR 2025, Angela McInerney, Didier Tchétché, and Ole De Backer discuss key results from the SMART and Evolut Low Risk trials. The SMART trial compared balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves in small annulus patients, showing better hemodynamics with the Evolut platform at 2 years. The Evolut...
What are the essential aspects of transcatheter LAA closure?
20 May 2025 – From EuroPCR 2025
Ole De Backer and Philippe Garot discuss the rapid evolution of transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion.
They begin by contrasting patient selection in Europe and the US, where approaches diverge significantly: in Europe, very high bleeding risk remains the main criterion, while in the US, LAA...
Heart to Heart Conversations podcasts – expert insights in interventional cardiology, anytime, anywhere
06 Feb 2025
Stay ahead in interventional cardiology with Heart-to-heart podcasts, the audio companion to our acclaimed webinar series.
Optimising TAVI for bicuspid aortic stenosis: experience with a novel self-expanding system
26 Nov 2024 – From PCR London Valves 2024
Watch this session to explore the latest trial results and insights on treating bicuspid aortic stenosis with self-expanding valves. Learn key tips for optimal outcomes, including the importance of supra-annular assessment, appropriate sizing, and techniques to prevent underexpansion. Discover the VitaFlow specifications and clinical data, including...
Transcatheter mitral intervention for failed surgical valves and rings - The toolkit
26 Nov 2024 – From PCR London Valves 2024
Looking to enhance your approach to failed surgical mitral valves and rings? This video is a must-watch!
You’ll explore patient selection, master the steps of mitral valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring procedures, and learn strategies like valve cracking and LAMPOON to overcome key challenges.
Pushing the boundaries to optimise patient outcomes: from planning to success
26 Nov 2024 – From PCR London Valves 2024
Learn from experts about achieving optimal TAVI outcomes, tailoring approaches for lifetime management, and mastering tips for diverse anatomical challenges.
What is the optimal TAVI access approach in contemporary practice?
14 May 2025 – From PCR London Valves 2024
What is the optimal TAVI access approach in today’s practice? Ole De Backer and Maarten Vanhaverbeke break down the latest evidence and trends in TAVI access. Watch this video to learn about the dominance of transfemoral access, the role of alternative routes like transcarotid and transaxillary,...
