Abstract

Is transcatheter aortic valve implantation cost effective in the nonsurgical elderly population?

Author(s): SC Malaisrie

Transcatheter heart valves are an emerging technology for the treatment of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). The procedure is widely known as either transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or replacement. Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), which is the standard treatment for patients with AS who are considered candidates for open heart surgery, TAVI is a less invasive procedure, intended for patients who would otherwise not be offered an operation. In these patients who are considered not suitable for AVR (inoperable), TAVI can both improve survival and relieve symptoms when compared with standard therapy. Results of a randomized clinical trial, PARTNER, have led to the commercial approval of the first transcatheter heart valve (Edwards SAPIEN™, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, CA, USA) in the USA.