Reducing TAVR Vascular Complications Through Multidisciplinary Process Optimization
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vascular complications associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can prolong procedures, require additional interventions, extend hospital stays, delay recovery, and increase costs. PROJECT RATIONALE: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital identified a higher prevalence of peripheral artery disease in its TAVR population, compared with national benchmarks. This increased burden of complex vascular anatomy was initially associated with higher complication rates, prompting targeted prevention strategies to improve safety and outcomes. PROJECT SUMMARY: A multidisciplinary team used root-cause analyses and iterative plan-do-study-act cycles to integrate micropuncture, ultrasound guidance, fluoroscopic road mapping, closure strategies, and enhanced staff education into standardized workflows. From 2018 to the second quarter of 2025, complication rates decreased from 11.7% to 1.9%, procedure times improved from 77 to 49 minutes, and hospital stays shortened, generating a net savings of over $86,000. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Phased, technology-enabled access strategies, supported by a multidisciplinary team, can reduce complications and improve the efficiency of TAVR programs.
Source: JACC Case Reports
Authors: Misty L. Theriot, Edward C. Bergen, J. Gregory Lugo, Whitney M. Graham
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $850
OpenAlex ID: W4415023791