The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

Annual SAVR volumes in the United States decreased by a whopping 44.5% from 2012 to 2022. However, heart teams across the country seem to agree that surgery is a safer, more effective treatment option than TAVR when patients present with bicuspid aortic valves. 

You can't judge a pediatric heart center by its volume, according to new research presented during STS 2024 in San Antonio.

STS announced the news Monday at its annual meeting in San Antonio. Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, is officially the first female president in the organization's 60-year history.

Nearly 50% of patients under the age of 60 are now opting for TAVR over SAVR, according to a new study presented at STS 2024 in San Antonio. "We owe it to our patients to take a more prominent role in providing the highest quality evidence to help our patients make these major healthcare decisions," one researcher said. 

Congress has already adjourned for the year without taking action, but U.S. medical societies are hoping relief from significant Medicare cuts will arrive in early 2024. 

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery say more information is still required before any conclusions can be made about the long-term benefits of TAVR in low-risk patients.

Even as TAVR continues to build momentum as the go-to treatment option for many patients, researchers are keeping a close eye on the long-term safety and effectiveness of SAVR.