Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients at Intermediate and Low Risk Is Not (Yet) the Existential Threat That Surgeons Feared: A Retrospective Analysis of Medicare Claims Data

The introduction of MBS Items for private TAVI in patients at intermediate and low risk without accompanying age exclusion criteria has not (yet) had a major impact on private SAVR activity. This suggests that the multidisciplinary heart team (TAVI case conference) approval process remains an effective mechanism for ensuring access to private TAVI is consistent with international guidelines.