Targeting aortic regurgitation with TAVR valves built to treat aortic stenosis may be the only option a cardiologist has—but valves designed specifically to treat AR are linked to much better outcomes, according to a new meta-analysis. Edwards Lifesciences recently acquired the two companies at the center of this study, JenaValve and JC Medical.

One study presented during the three-day conference focused on the potential benefits of an optimized TAVR pathway. Another study, meanwhile, tracked changes in paravalvular leak severity over time.

PPM is still relatively common after TAVR, especially among patients with a small aortic annulus. What can be done to minimize the risk of PPM? Does valve type play a role? Researchers explored those questions, and many others.

Abbott already has an FDA-approved self-expanding TAVR valve, the Navitor system, on the market. The company is now evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a new balloon-expandable device that could potentially be implanted using software guidance. 

The Sapien 3 Ultra Resilia TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences is associated with a significantly higher survival rate after one year than the company's previous balloon-expandable valves. Researchers identified other key benefits as well, sharing their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.