April 29, 2021
Since the approval of TAVI for the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis more than a decade ago, the overwhelming number of new TAVI programs have been launched in metropolitan areas, according to a new study presented today. Moreover, more than half of these programs were launched in cities where TAVI was already available at another nearby center.
The findings, said lead investigator Ashwin Nathan, MD (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia), highlight the disparities in access to new advances in cardiovascular medicine.
“The increased number of TAVR programs over the last 10 years has not necessarily translated to increased access,” said Nathan. “TAVR sites are predominantly located in metropolitan areas, and the majority of TAVR sites, when they open, open in areas with a preexisting program. This increase numerically does not necessarily translate into increased geographic access.”