SCAI 2021: 98% of new TAVR programs developed in metropolitan areas
The vast majority of new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) programs in the United States are established in metropolitan areas, according to new data presented April 29 at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2021 Scientific Sessions.
Researchers tracked data from 2012 to 2018, noting that 554 hospitals developed a new TAVR program during that time.
Overall, the group found, 98% of those programs were developed in metropolitan areas. Nearly 52% of those programs, meanwhile, were developed in metropolitan areas where at least one TAVR program already existed.
In addition, hospitals with new TAVR programs treated patients with a much higher median household income than hospitals without a new TAVR program. TAVR rates were even among patients with a higher median income, another statistic that seems to suggest many patients are at a disadvantage when it comes to receiving high-quality cardiac care.
“TAVR has the potential to be an innovative and effective treatment option for heart valve patients, but can only work to its full potential if all patients have access to it,” researcher Ashwin Nathan, MD, a fellow in the division of cardiovascular medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, said in a prepared statement. “Our study results show a gap, and as clinicians, we know that these inequities can unfortunately translate into differing outcomes. While this is just one example of health inequities, our hope is that these findings will activate a change in how we introduce high-tech solutions, so that all communities can access the care they need.”
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.