The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Edwards Lifesciences Sapien 3 family of balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices for treating asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). This marks a significant milestone in cardiac care. The approval follows results from the 901-patient EARLY TAVR trial, which showed that early TAVR reduced the combined risk of death, stroke, or unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization compared to watchful waiting over nearly four years.

Pivotal EARLY TAVR Trial Findings

The EARLY TAVR trial was pivotal. It showed that among asymptomatic severe AS patients, early TAVR halved the risk of death, stroke, or unplanned hospitalizations (26.8% vs. 45.3%; HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.40–0.63) over a median 3.8 years. Most of the benefit came from fewer unplanned hospitalizations, as urgent aortic valve replacement became necessary with symptom progression. Within two years, over 70% of surveillance-group patients needed TAVR due to symptoms.

Safety outcomes were similar between early intervention and surveillance, with no increased mortality risk in the early TAVR group. Data revealed that symptom progression in severe AS can be sudden and severe—40% of those developing symptoms faced advanced heart failure or acute presentations. This highlights the risks of delaying intervention.

A Shift in Treatment Paradigm

Current ACC/AHA and ESC/EACTS guidelines advocate for “watchful waiting” in asymptomatic severe AS, suggesting intervention only with symptomatic progression, decreased ejection fraction, or high-risk features. However, the EARLY TAVR trial challenges this paradigm. Alarmingly, up to 50% of patients developed symptoms within one year, with many experiencing severe or acute symptoms. The WHO recognizes aortic stenosis as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, stressing the need for timely intervention.

Delays in intervention, especially in systems with waitlists, have been linked to increased mortality—a trend seen in the trial and prior registry data. TAVR’s safety profile and quality-of-life benefits have driven its acceptance among symptomatic patients, supporting wider use.

Economic and Policy Implications

The FDA’s approval broadens the eligible patient population, shifting treatment toward proactive interventions. Early intervention may reduce unplanned hospitalizations and emergency procedures, lowering healthcare costs from acute decompensations.

For payers, improved outcomes and fewer urgent admissions may justify TAVR’s upfront costs for this new patient segment. Market access and reimbursement discussions may evolve, increasing demand for TAVR devices and resources.

The trial also raises system-readiness concerns. Real-world surveillance may not match structured trial follow-up, increasing delayed-intervention risks. In public health systems with long wait times, early referral and planning could reduce waitlist mortality and adverse events.

These changes may ensure more equitable access to optimal care and strengthen TAVR’s clinical and economic value.

In summary, the FDA’s approval of TAVR for asymptomatic severe AS, based on EARLY TAVR trial data, enables earlier intervention, better outcomes, and shifts in health policy and economics. For more details, see the original article.