The Role of Cardiac Surgeons in Transcatheter Structural Heart Disease Interventions.

Background: With the rapid growth and evolution of transcatheter valve therapies, surgeons are foreseeing a crucial change in their practice. Their role is rapidly evolving and the concept of a structured heart valve team is becoming central in every established SHD program. The knowledge and expertise of surgeons is adapting to a novel and revolutionized field of transcatheter valve therapies, where a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction. This manuscript aims to discuss the evolving role of surgeons in structural heart interventions METHODS: We depict the importance of the heart valve team and outline the challenges surgeons are facing to establish themselves as structural heart operators.

Results: The switch in clinical practice surgeons are experiencing is extremely important for the future of cardiac surgery. The results of a globally conducted real-world survey shows that despite 97% of surgeons are active members of the heart team, 80% take part to TAVR procedures, and the percentage drops significantly in mitral and tricuspid interventions.

Conclusions: Surgeons need to evolve, adapt and embrace this new patient-centered paradigm and broaden their skills and competences maintaining a primary role in the treatment of valvular heat pathologies.