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.

The SavvyWire TAVR guidewire by OpSens / Haemonetics

Haemonetics to acquire medical device company known for its TAVR guidewires for $253M

Haemonetics expects the deal to increase its short- and long-term revenue. The all-cash transaction should close by January 2024.

The Pioneer TAVR system from KOKA Lifesciences

New TAVR system for pure aortic regurgitation used for first time, linked to ‘excellent’ short-term outcomes

Researchers explored data from the first 10 patients treated with a new self-expanding TAVR device from KOKA Lifesciences. After 30 days, there were no patient deaths and only one adverse event.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons push insurance company to rethink billing policy

The American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons raised the issue, which is related to the billing of transcatheter heart procedures such as TAVR. 

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Stroke after TAVR: New research helps cardiologists detect early warning signs

Post-TAVR stroke is rare, but it can be fatal. A new study in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions examined the issue in great detail, focusing on more than 2,700 patients treated over a two-year stretch. 

Death after TAVR: Heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest stand out as 2 leading causes

A majority of patient deaths within two years of TAVR can be linked to cardiovascular complications, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Can follow-up care be improved to combat this trend? 

Warfarin after TAVR is safe, but fails to boost outcomes

Researchers examined two-year data from transfemoral TAVR patients treated with low-dose aspirin and 30 days of warfarin or just aspirin on its own. 

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EP studies during TAVR are safe and effective, new pilot study confirms

New research in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions explored the potential of performing EP studies before and after valve deployment. TAVR operators handled all catheter manipulations, and EP specialists were on hand to capture the necessary measurements. 

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NOACs vs. VKAs in TAVR patients with new-onset AFib: New meta-analysis examines key differences

The biggest differences between the two treatment options were major bleeding events and all-cause mortality. There was no significant difference when it came to stroke risk.