Why is this study important?
The use of cerebral embolic protection (CES) with Sentinel was evaluated using two randomized controlled trials, PROTECTED TAVR and BHF PROTECT TAVI trials. Neither trial has shown a significant statistical benefit in reducing stroke.
This meta-analysis helps to evaluate whether the routine use of CES can prevent disabling stroke. Disabling stroke has been shown to be rare in this population, so any intervention would need a very large number of patients to provide meaningful results.
What question was this study supposed to answer?
The authors used the combined data from PROTECTED TAVR and BHF PROTECT TAVI to evaluate the use of Sentinel in TAVR and detect improvement in the event rate of stroke.
What did the study show?
The study showed no statistical benefit in the combined stroke rate. However, it did show a decrease in disabling stroke in the Sentinel cohort. More data are needed to recommend routine use of CES in TAVR.
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