Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A Comprehensive Descriptive Analysis

Objectives: TAVR is a minimally invasive alternative to SAVR, offering a key treatment for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, including those with advanced age or comorbidities. Its popularity has led to its use in lower volume institutions, where outcomes are comparable to higher volume centers. This study analyzes procedural volume and outcomes at our institution, compares them with the PARTNER III trial, and evaluates complications and patient selection criteria. Design: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Setting: This study was performed at a public, multi-institutional healthcare system featuring an acute care hospital with a Level I Adult Trauma and Burn Center. Participants: We obtained retrospective data on 37 patients who underwent TAVR in our hospital system in 2022. Data was collected on their outcomes, including mortality, readmission rates, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications at 30 days and 1 year. Interventions: No interventions were performed on patients as this was a retrospective study. Measurements and Main Results: Patient outcomes were compared with PARTNER III trial results. There was no 30-day mortality (versus 1% in the PARTNER III trial), and a 1-year mortality rate of 2.7% as compared to 8.5% in the PARTNER III trial. At 30 days, 0% of patients were readmitted for valve-related issues. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lower volume healthcare institutions can achieve outcomes comparable/similar to higher volume institutions in specialized procedures like TAVR, challenging the assumption that superior outcomes are tied to institutional size. Our findings highlight the importance of quality, teamwork, and individualized care in achieving excellent clinical outcomes, regardless of size.