The Particulars: Many studies have compared transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients. However, few studies have assessed how these valve replacement approaches compare in intermediate-risk patients.
Data Breakdown: Italian researchers compared outcomes between intermediate-risk patients who underwent TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement. At 30 days, TAVR patients had a higher rate of vascular complications and new pacemaker implantations, whereas surgical aortic valve replacement patients had a higher incidence of renal failure and blood transfusions. However, at 1 year, no differences were seen between groups with regard to mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, re-hospitalization for cardiac causes, or re-hospitalization for heart failure.
Take Home Pearl: In intermediate-risk patients, TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement appear to have similar 1-year results.
