TAVR adoption in Africa has been relatively slow, but cardiologists throughout the continent have made considerable progress. New data does show that there is some work to be done before outcomes will rival what is seen in many other parts of the world.

TAVR is associated with a significantly lower risk of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction than SAVR, according to new data presented at CRT 2025 and simultaneously published in JACC. 

Researchers presented new two-year data from the SMART trial at CRT 2025 in Washington, D.C. Overall, self-expanding TAVR valves continue to show superior valve performance compared to balloon-expandable valves, and clinical outcomes remain comparable.

Two separate groups have published new research comparing early AVR with clinical surveillance for the treatment of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Overall, the two groups found, early treatment was associated with multiple benefits—and no added risk of harm.

SCAI President James Hermiller, Jr., MD, explains the need for more innovative radiation protection systems in the cath lab.

One of the cardiologists involved in the procedures said they represent "a significant leap forward in structural heart intervention."

The new Self-Centering Guide Catheter was designed to help care teams with the retrograde crossing of the aortic valve during TAVR. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the catheter, sharing their experience in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

The biggest differences, researchers noted, were found in the long-term outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients.