Innovations in Transcatheter Valve Technology: What the Next Five Years Hold

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in patients at intermediate or greater risk for surgery. Future indications may include low-risk patients, asymptomatic patients, bicuspid valves, moderate aortic stenosis, and pure native aortic valve regurgitation. Key hurdles to overcome include pacemaker risk, vascular injury, paravalvular regurgitation, coronary artery reaccess, durability, and embolic risk. New valve designs include synthetic polymeric valves that may allow for greater durability, in addition to advances in terms of precise positioning and repositioning to reduce the complication rate.