Contemporary Costs Associated With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The authors conducted a propensity-matched analysis of outcomes and costs associated with TAVR vs. SAVR procedures in patients considered either intermediate risk (STS PROM 4-8%) or high risk (STS PROM >8%) within the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Although the incidence of major morbidity was higher and the length of stay was longer with SAVR, the mortality was higher for TAVR (10% vs. 6%, p<0.047).  Importantly, the median total costs of the implant hospitalization were more than double for the TAVR group in comparison to the SAVR group ($69,921 vs. $33,598).  Not surprisingly, the dominant cost driver for TAVR was the cost of the device, which accounted for 40% of the cost of the implant hospitalization.