Edwards Highlights Studies on the Impact of the Undertreatment of Aortic Stenosis Published in 2022

December 13, 2022—Edwards Lifesciences identified the top data releases from 2022 that contributed most to shaping awareness about the extent and impact of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of aortic stenosis. The studies as a whole suggest substantial health and economic benefits are available through the wider use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), stated the company.

Larry L. Wood, Edwards’ Corporate Vice President, TAVR, commented in the press release, “The TAVR-focused data published this year, including these specific studies, brought important insights and helped shape the discussion on the extent and impact of the undertreatment of aortic stenosis in terms of health impacts to patients and costs to society.”

He continued, “I believe there is a clear message in this body of evidence that swift diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis prevents cardiac damage, lowers mortality, and improves quality of life for these patients. These current studies also indicate that by taking a more comprehensive view of value and cost, there is a tremendous potential for savings to the healthcare system through the greater adoption of TAVR.”

Mr. Wood concluded, “Taken together, I think these studies really challenge the key stakeholders in the cardiovascular health care system to find and address the causes of the undertreatment of aortic stenosis.”

As outlined by Edwards Lifesciences, the highlighted studies are:

• “Trends in Utilization of Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis” by Shawn X. Li, MD, et al was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022;79:864-877). The study found that less than half of the patients studied who had an indication or possible indication for aortic valve replacement (AVR) underwent the procedure. The untreated group experienced a significantly higher mortality rate than the patients undergoing AVR.
• “Evolution and Prognostic Impact of Cardiac Damage After Aortic Valve Replacement” by Philippe Généreux, MD, et al was published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022;80:783-800). The findings suggest that earlier detection of aortic stenosis and intervention before development of irreversible cardiac damage may improve cardiac function and reduce mortality.
• “Contemporary Costs Associated with Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Medicare Beneficiaries” by Suzanne J. Baron, MD, et al was published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. The analysis found that in the year after treatment, TAVR saved between $10K and $29K per patient relative to surgical AVR depending on the patient risk level.
• “Cost-Utility and Cost-Benefit Analysis of TAVR Availability in the US Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis Patient Population” by J.P. Sevilla, PhD, et al was published in Journal of Medical Economics (2022;25:1051-1060). The investigators concluded, “Across risk, age, and treatment-eligibility groups, TAVR is the economically optimal treatment choice. It represents strong value-for-money per patient and population-wide. The vast majority of TAVR value involves raising treatment uptake among the untreated.” The analysis also quantified the productive contributions to society of the elderly symptomatic severe aortic stenosis patient when TAVR is available as a treatment option.