3-year survival ‘superior’ with TAVI versus surgery in low-risk adults

In low-risk patients, the minimally invasive option led to fewer deaths and disabling strokes

Low-risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation have a 30% lower risk of death or disabling stroke at three years versus those undergoing surgery, US cardiologists report.

Results from their multinational study involving 1400 older adults suggest transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a self-expanding supra-annular valve has “durable” short- and intermediate-term benefits.

However, rates of mild paravalvular regurgitation and pacemaker implantations remained elevated with the minimally invasive approach, according to the Yale University-led researchers.

As part of the Medtronic-funded trial, low-surgical risk participants (mean age 74) with severe aortic stenosis from seven countries — including Australia — were randomly assigned to TAVI or surgery.