Two experienced TAVR specialists—Sachin Goel, MD, and Michael Reardon, MD—examined the growing trend of younger, low-risk patients being recommended for TAVR over SAVR.

Researchers evaluated data from more than 200 patients who underwent redo TAVR, noting that women and patients with a higher BMI faced a higher risk of coronary flow compromise.

Researchers found that echocardiographers in the cath lab are exposed to high doses of radiation on the right half of their body, especially the waist and lower body. 

Patients with pure native AR are often excluded from clinical trials comparing TAVR and SAVR, leading to a lack of clarity when it comes to the proper treatment of this population.

“It is vital to identify patients who are at a high risk for ACS after TAVR for potential treatment beforehand,” according a new analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Many patients still require a permanent pacemaker following TAVR. In fact, it is more common after TAVR than after surgical aortic valve replacement. 

Commissural alignment is especially important now, researchers explained, because TAVR is being recommended for younger patients with longer life expectancies.