Even as TAVR continues to build momentum as the go-to treatment option for many patients, researchers are keeping a close eye on the long-term safety and effectiveness of SAVR.

The American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons raised the issue, which is related to the billing of transcatheter heart procedures such as TAVR. 

The study, based on STS/ACC registry data, represents a collaboration between several leading TAVR specialists. 

The primary concern is that sterilization facilities and healthcare providers would not have enough time to adapt to the proposal. Devices impacted would include pacemakers, angioplasty balloons and catheters, just to name a few. 

The new AUC document, which examines the treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, was published in full in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a cardiothoracic surgeon,” the veteran surgeon said in a statement. 

The topic was explored at length in a new scientific statement presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

"The singular message to the public is that the optimal treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease—to improve not only long-term survival but also lower your risk of complications—is coronary artery bypass surgery," one specialist said in a statement.