Top 10 hospitals performing TAVR procedures

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland, Ohio is ranked at the top of our list, with 2.8% of TAVR procedures tracked in 2023. Cleveland Clinic began its TAVR program in 2006 at the Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute. The institute’s data suggests the program consistently achieves better-than-expected outcomes, which include reduced in-hospital mortality rates.

Following closely behind are Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (at nearly 2%) and University Hospital (at 1.7%), showcasing the expertise of these institutions in this minimally invasive heart valve replacement technique. As with the Cleveland Clinic, patients at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital have outstanding outcomes, including a lower rate of mortality and stroke compared to the national average and a median two-day stay in the hospital.

How many TAVR centers are there in the U.S.?

The exact number of TAVR centers in the U.S. fluctuates slightly due to the dynamic nature of healthcare facilities expanding or adjusting their capabilities. In 2023, more than 800 hospitals performed TAVR procedures, reflecting an ongoing increase in the adoption of this less invasive technique for treating aortic valve stenosis​.

While the overall number of centers offering TAVR has grown, high-volume centers, which perform a significant number of these procedures annually, tend to be more concentrated. These high-volume centers are critical as they often have better outcomes and lower complication rates due to their extensive experience and specialized resources.

What risks and complications are associated with TAVR?

Like any medical procedure, TAVR carries certain risks and potential complications. Here are some of the primary risks and complications associated with TAVR:

• Vascular complications
• Stroke and neurological events
• Paravalvular leak
• Conduction system injuries
• Valve malpositioning or embolization
• Cardiac complications
• Infection
• Mortality

Despite these risks, TAVR has been shown to significantly improve survival and quality of life in patients with severe aortic stenosis, especially those who are at high or prohibitive risk for surgical aortic valve replacement​. Each patient's risk profile should be thoroughly evaluated by their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What kind of doctors perform TAVR procedures?

TAVR procedures are performed by a specialized team of healthcare professionals. This team typically includes interventional cardiologists, who specialize in catheter-based treatments for heart diseases, and cardiothoracic surgeons, who bring their expertise in cardiac anatomy and surgical techniques, especially for handling potential complications that may necessitate open-heart surgery.

Cardiac anesthesiologists play a crucial role in managing anesthesia and monitoring vital functions during the procedure. Imaging specialists, such as radiologists or cardiologists with expertise in cardiac imaging techniques provide real-time imaging guidance to ensure accurate valve placement.

General cardiologists are often involved in the pre-procedure evaluation, intra-procedure care, and post-procedure follow-up, managing any cardiac-related issues that may arise. Additionally, specialized cardiac nurses and technicians assist in preparing the patient, monitoring during the procedure, and providing post-procedure care, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and functioning properly.

The collaboration of this multidisciplinary team is essential for the success of TAVR procedures, as each member contributes a unique set of skills and expertise to handle the various aspects of the procedure from preoperative planning to postoperative care​.

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