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We are still early in our experience with transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR), and questions persist about how its long-term outcomes compare with those from surgical aortic-valve replacement (SAVR). Investigators in the manufacturer-supported PARTNERS 2 trial (a randomized study of TAVR and SAVR; NEJM JW Cardiol May 2016 and N Engl J Med 2016; 374:1609) have now reported the 5-year experience among the 2032 intermediate-risk patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (mean age, 82; 46% women). TAVR involved the SAPIEN XT device, which is no longer in clinical use; bioprosthetic valves were used in the surgery arm.
Overall, 98% of the TAVR group and 92% of the SAVR group had the assigned procedure. At 5 years, the groups did…