Transcatheter valve interventions: playground for cardiologists or cardiac surgeons? The cardiologist's view

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Historically, cardiac surgery was the sole interventional option for valve pathology.
• The advent of transcatheter valve interventions has significantly altered patient management paradigms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the evolving role of cardiologists in managing valve pathology.
• To emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary Heart Teams in contemporary cardiovascular care.

Main Methods:

• Review of the impact of transcatheter valve interventions on clinical practice.
• Analysis of the collaborative dynamics between cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

Main Results:

• Transcatheter interventions have positioned cardiologists at the forefront of valve disease management.
• Improved collaboration has led to the formation of integrated Heart Teams.

Conclusions:

• Cardiologists, equipped with relevant skills, are ideally suited to lead multidisciplinary teams for valve interventions.
• This collaborative approach aims to optimize patient outcomes in valve disease management.