TAVR

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a key structural heart procedure that has rapidly expanded in the decade since it was first FDA cleared. TAVR has come a paradigm shift in how many aortic stenosis patients are treated, now making up more than 50% of U.S. aortic valve replacements. It is less invasive than open heart surgery and recovery times are greatly reduced. TAVR can also be used in patients who otherwise are too high risk to undergo surgery. TAVR is referred to as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in many placed outside of the U.S. TAVR inspired the growing areas of transcatheter mitral repair or replacement and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

Thumbnail

PCI before TAVR? New study provides answers, but questions remain

Researchers examined data from 17 different facilities, keeping a close eye on mortality and rehospitalization rates. 

New TAVR system for high-risk patients gains FDA approval

The system was specifically designed for patients who should avoid open-heart surgery.  

Thumbnail

AI model classifies patients by aortic stenosis severity, could improve AVR timing

The classifier was developed using imaging data from nearly 2,000 patients. 

Thumbnail

3 conditions associated with a higher stroke risk among TAVR patients

The new analysis, published in Current Problems in Cardiology, also explored the higher costs associated with post-TAVR stroke. 

New meta-analysis examines valve durability after 5 years among TAVR, SAVR patients

As TAVR and SAVR patients get younger, valve durability will continue to gain more and more importance.

Thumbnail

Edoxaban comparable to VKAs for treating AFib after TAVR

Researchers shared their findings at ESC Congress 2021 and in the New England Journal of Medicine

Thumbnail

Paravalvular leak after TAVR continues to be a problem—but advances in technology are helping

Additional studies are still necessary, but researchers are hopeful that modern TAVR solutions will help limit paravalvular leak in the years ahead. 

COVID lockdown reopening

Number of TAVR sites has nearly tripled in recent years—but quality issues remain

While the improved access is clearly beneficial, researchers did uncover potential issues that will need to be addressed. 

Around the web

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.