Surgical Valve Innovation vs Transcatheter Growth
Surgical Valve Innovation vs Transcatheter Growth
Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology – June 27, 2025
1. Surgical heart valve innovation has slowed down, while transcatheter treatments (like TAVR) are developing quickly.
2. Surgeons say surgery still has advantages, like long-term results and precise repairs, but it’s more invasive.
3. New surgical devices are rare—the Tria polymer valve is a recent example, but most progress stopped years ago.
4. Why the slowdown?
• Surgical valves work well, so few push for change
• Surgeons tend to stick to proven methods
• Less industry funding for surgical research
5. Transcatheter options get more attention, but surgery may still be better for younger, low-risk patients who want lasting solutions.
6. The authors call for:
• Better data and clinical trials in surgery
• More funding to bring back innovation in surgical valves
7. The goal is to balance both approaches—surgical and transcatheter—to give patients the best, long-term care.
https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.06.024
