Stephen Bailey, MD: Examining a TAVR Program

For patients with aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) represents an innovative, remarkable solution to the potentially fatal condition.

In an interview with HCPLive, Stephen Bailey, MD, Chair, Allegheny Health Network Cardiovascular Institute, highlighted the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure for aortic stenosis and the program at AHN.

“I mean, it's been a journey, but it's quite remarkable and fantastic technology and requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team to help evaluate patients and find the best treatment option for them,” he said.

Although a cardiac surgeon and interventional cardiologist work together for the procedure, the process extends to imaging specialists and nurse coordinators who guide patients and families through the procedure and aftermath.

Bailey additionally spoke to the average number of TAVR procedures performed a week, noting it is often twice a week with multiple procedures performed per day. Throughout AHN, over 2000 TAVR procedures have been performed.

After the procedure is completed, he said 80% of patients are able to go home the following day and return to normal activity fairly quickly.

“We see them back in the clinic one month after the procedure, and then ideally, one year after the procedure for a variety of both clinical and regulatory reasons.”

Bailey discussed the importance of expanded programs to educate patients and help them receive care, including AHN expanding their TAVR to Jefferson Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital. He noted that while there are still geographic barriers to TAVR, even 10 years ago patients were not being treated because they were potentially not considered a candidate for surgery.

Additionally, he spoke to AHN’s program being considered a 3-star program by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, highlighting the pride the multidisciplinary takes in the outcomes for their patients.

“I think it just speaks to everything else we've talked about today with a really dedicated multidisciplinary team focused on all details, and I think you're very much expecting those same kinds of accolades and outcomes at our community programs that we've launched,” he said.