Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
08:50

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement

Published on: March 26, 2018

11.8K

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aortic valve replacement procedures in Germany

Adrian Heidenreich1,2, Peter Stachon1,2, Vera Oettinger1,2

  • 1Medical Centre, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, University Heart Centre Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|April 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 significantly postponed aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedures in Germany, with surgical AVR (sAVR) cases deferred more than transcatheter AVR (TAVR). Postponements were less severe during the second pandemic wave.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread deferral of elective medical procedures, creating potential backlogs.
  • Aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedures, including surgical AVR (sAVR) and transcatheter AVR (TAVR), are crucial interventions often requiring elective scheduling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the number of postponed surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures in Germany during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To quantify the impact of the pandemic's first two waves on AVR procedure volumes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized German national health records to identify all isolated sAVR and TAVR procedures performed between 2007 and 2020.
  • Developed a predictive forecast for 2020 AVR procedures based on 2017-2019 weekly data.
  • Compared the forecasted 2020 AVR volumes with the observed number of procedures to determine the reduction.

Main Results:

  • Analysis included 225,398 sAVR and 159,638 TAVR procedures from 2007-2020.
  • Overall AVR procedures (sAVR and TAVR) in Germany decreased by 19.07% in 2020 compared to projections.
  • The first pandemic wave (weeks 12-21) saw a 32.06% weekly reduction, while the second wave (weeks 41-52) showed a 25.58% reduction.
  • sAVR procedures experienced a greater decline (24.63%) than TAVR procedures (16.42%) for the entirety of 2020.

Conclusions:

  • The initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a substantial postponement of AVR procedures in Germany.
  • The deferral rate was higher for sAVR compared to TAVR.
  • The impact of procedure postponement was less pronounced during the second wave of the pandemic compared to the first.
Abstract

Keywords:
Covid-19TAVIsAVR

More Related Videos

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement14:14

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Published on: December 11, 2017

14.1K
Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots12:17

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots

Published on: May 21, 2017

11.4K

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
30
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
20
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
15
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
37
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular...
28
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
12