“Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is expected to become the new standard within a few years,” said Michael J. Reardon, MD, Allison Family Distinguished Chair of Cardiovascular Research, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, and professor of cardiovascular surgery. “At that point, procedures will probably increase from 60,000 to 100,000 in the U.S. annually.” More than 1,400 patients in seven countries were enrolled in the study, which used a Medtronic valve for the procedures. Results included the rate of death or stroke after 30 days (0.8% for TAVR compared to 2.6% for surgery) and after two years (5.3% for TAVR compared to 6.7% for surgery). Additionally, most patients can return home within 48 hours, with recovery taking about a week. Traditional open heart surgery often requires weeks, or months, to recover.