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.

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. 

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PCI before TAVR fails to improve patient outcomes

“Our results beg the question of whether pre-TAVR baseline coronary angiography is even necessary,” researchers wrote in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Arzhang Fallahi, MD, and David Hsi, MD, discussing imaging-based aortic stenosis screening

Q&A: Cardiologists explore the potential impact of a screening program for aortic stenosis

We already screen patients for breast cancer and lung cancer on a regular basis. Why not establish screening programs for aortic stenosis?

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Bleeding events after TAVR: An updated look at a serious side effect

Researchers explored data from more than 2,300 patients, categorizing all bleeding events based on updated VARC-3 definitions. The team's final analysis was published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

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Delirium after TAVR: A common side effect linked to increased mortality

Temporary changes in cognition, including disorganized thinking, are seen in a significant number of patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.