Tom C. Nguyen, MD: Evolving Roles of TAVR, SAVR in Aortic Valve Disease

The evolving roles of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in aortic valve disease highlight the importance of long-term data and multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient care.

In this interview, Tom C. Nguyen, MD, the chief medical executive at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, discussed the evolving roles of TAVR and SAVR in treating aortic valve disease. Nguyen highlighted that while TAVR has revolutionized the management of high-risk and inoperable patients with aortic stenosis, its long-term durability is still uncertain, particularly in intermediate and low-risk patients. He suggested that SAVR remains the preferred option for low-risk patients due to its proven long-term outcomes, especially in younger patients with a life expectancy beyond 5-7 years. He foresaw that patient and physician preferences may shift as more data becomes available, but anticipates that SAVR will continue to be essential in certain patient populations. Nguyen also emphasized the importance of addressing patient comorbidities and valve durability when choosing between TAVR and SAVR, noting the limited data on TAVR-in-TAVR procedures.

“In many ways, it's still a coin toss between SAVR and TAVR, as we know the data that's been published so far is about five to seven years out,” Nguyen told HCPLive. “In intermediate-risk patients, where we expect them to live a long time, hopefully, more than five to seven years. We need longer data, but right now, the outcomes are almost head to head regarding SAVR versus TAVR for lower-risk patients.”

Nguyen also discussed the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in treating valvular heart disease, which is the focus of the upcoming Baptist Health Echocardiography and Structural Heart Symposium 41st Annual Symposium in Miami. This event will gather cardiologists, imagers, and surgeons to address the rapid advancements in the field and explore controversial topics in valvular heart disease. He stressed that exchanging diverse perspectives at such meetings enhances patient care and drives advancements in treating structural heart disease.

Disclosures: Nguyen reports no relevant disclosures.