Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery 2025, 40(3), ivaf068 ORIGINAL ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.1093/icvts/ivaf068 Advance Access publication 14 March 2025
Cite this article as: Saiydoun G, Saadé S, Aludaat C, Bernard C, Lebreton G, Modine T et al. Contribution of cardiac surgeons in transcatheter aortic valve replacement activity in France. Interdiscip CardioVasc Thorac Surg 2025; doi:10.1093/icvts/ivaf068.
Contribution of cardiac surgeons in transcatheter aortic valve replacement activity in France
Gabriel Saiydoun Thomas Modinef, Thierry Folliguet a, b,*, Saadé Saadéc, Chadi Aludaat d, Chloé Bernarde, Guillaume Lebreton b, Charles Juvina, Maroua Eid a, g, Xavier-Benoit D'Journoh, Fouquet Louis Labrousse g, Marylou Para f, Michel Kindo Olivier Bouchot c, Julien Guihaire i, Jean-Marc Baste d, Olivier j, Johann Cattanf, Mohammed Alghamdia, Guillaume Guimbretierek, e, André Vincentellil, Pascal Leprincea and Jean-Philippe Verhoyem
Abstract
Objectives : This study provides a thorough analysis of cardiac surgeons' involvement in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) activities in France, covering decision-making, procedural roles, training and outcome analysis.
Methods : A nationwide survey was sent to all cardiac surgeons and all cardiac surgery trainees in France. Subgroup analysis was performed for age, status (established versus in-training) and type of practice facility.
Results : A total of 172 surgeons from both private and public sectors responded to the survey. Most respondents (71 %) had TAVR activity, and there were no significant differences between subgroups. Most respondents with TAVR activities (30 %) had average access (once per week). Almost one-third of centres had superior 3 established surgeons with TAVR activity, whereas 19 % had no in-training surgeons with TAVR activity. TAVR was the only structural practice for 67 % of surgeons, while 33 % practiced other structural procedures. When asked, 82 % of surgeons were against establishing TAVR programmes in centres without a cardiac surgery programme. Most TAVR patients (72 %) were discussed by the Heart Team, and only 9 % of surgeons said their relationship with the interventional cardiologist was disrupted. Two-thirds of vascular complications were managed by cardiac surgery, and only 6% of cardiac surgeons admitted were unfit to handle any vascular complications.
Conclusions : In France, cardiac surgeons are becoming increasingly involved in TAVR procedures as an integral part of the Heart Team.
Keywords : TAVR • cardiac surgery • Heart Team • aortic stenosis
