Integration of Virtual Technologies in a Minimalist Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Clinical Care Pathway

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).¹ x 1 Nishimura, RA, Otto, CM, Bonow, RO et al. 2017 AHA/ACC focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC guideline for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on clinical practice guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017; 70: 252–289 (doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.03.011.) Google Scholar See all References In many centers, the traditional TAVR pathway has evolved to a minimalist approach. As TAVR continues to expand, the ability to utilize a minimalist approach with optimized use of hospital resources and short length of stay is desirable. The Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed significant strain on hospital resources and has compromised the care of patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis. A minimalist approach, where previously optional, can now be considered critical in order to deliver cardiovascular care in the midst of the pandemic.² x 2 Wood, DA and Sathananthan, J. “Minimalist” transcatheter aortic valve implantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: previously optional but now a necessity. EuroIntervention. 2020; 16: e451–e452 (doi:10.4244/EIJV16I6A82. Published 2020 Aug 7.) Google Scholar See all References Virtual technologies have increasingly been adopted and have played a critical role in ensuring ongoing provision of TAVR care. These technologies allow novel approaches for the care of TAVR patients, both during the pandemic and beyond.