Structural Heart

COVID-19 related topics by far out-paced all other topics in cardiology in 2020 on the DAIC website. Several stories topped the list related to the cardiovascular issues with hydroxychloroquine being used as a treatment for the virus. Top new device technologies in 2020 included European approval of the Abbott Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve, FDA approval of Medtronic's new Micra AV pill-sized pacemaker, and FDA clearance of the first drug-eluting stent with short-duration dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

The Edwards Lifesciences Sapien 3 TAVR valve. The annual volume of TAVR has increased each year and in 2019 TAVR volume (72,991) exceeded all forms of SAVR (57,626), coinciding with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of TAVR for low-risk patients. 

Some of the device technologies discussed in the TCT 2020 late-breaking trial sessions. Top left, the Medtronic Resolute Onyx stent was the first stent to receive FDA clearance for short duration dual-antiplatelet therapy, which was a big topic and subject of several sessions. Lower left, the Keystone TriGuard 3 TAVR embolic protection device did not demonstrate superiority over TAVR without use of embolic protection. Top right, the Abbott MitraClip was the subject of two studies, including use to aid heart transplant patients. Bottom right, the Boston Scientific Acurate neo TAVR valve performed below the Sapien 3 and CoreValve Evolut.