WASHINGTON—SCAI is aware of recent articles comparing the long-term efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The following statement is from SCAI President J. Dawn Abbott, MD, MSCAI:

"Treatment decisions for patients who are candidates for TAVR or SAVR are made by a multidisciplinary heart team, in collaboration with the patient, to achieve the best possible outcome in each case. This approach aligns with the standard of care outlined in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination for TAVR, which requires that all candidates be evaluated by both an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon.

Both specialties contribute to a shared national data registry that monitors outcomes and supports continuous quality improvement. SCAI strongly endorses this model, which ensures that treatment decisions are individualized based on each patient’s clinical profile, including age, disease severity, and other complicating factors."

Media Contact

Gavin Stern 

[email protected], 202-644-8561 

About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease.  For more information, visit www.scai.org.