Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The year in review 2016

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Heart Valve Disease

Background:

• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has evolved significantly, expanding its use in 2016.
• Aortic stenosis (AS) treatment strategies are rapidly advancing with new technologies.
• TAVR is increasingly considered for diverse patient risk profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key research findings on TAVR published in 2016.
• To highlight TAVR's expanding role in intermediate and low-risk patients with AS.
• To review TAVR's application in challenging clinical subsets and with novel devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of major research studies on TAVR published in 2016.
• Analysis of clinical trial data and real-world evidence.
• Synthesis of findings regarding TAVR's efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• TAVR established as preferred treatment over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in intermediate-risk patients.
• Initial data suggest TAVR and SAVR may be clinically equivalent in low-risk populations.
• Successful expansion of TAVR to complex cases like bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and failed bioprostheses.

Conclusions:

• TAVR is a viable and often preferred option for a broader range of aortic stenosis patients.
• Continued innovation in TAVR technology and expansion to complex anatomies are evident.
• Research in 2016 solidified TAVR's position as a cornerstone therapy for AS.