Two research letters published today in JAMA Network Open describe the serious ramifications of deferring transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis early in the COVID-19 pandemic.Worsening heart failure, deathIn the first study, researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City analyzed the data of 77 patients whose TAVR, diagnostic testing, or heart team appointments were canceled after state authorities issued an executive order to halt elective surgeries on Mar 22.
The move was done to both minimize spread of COVID-19 in hospitals and preserve resources and staff for anticipated surges of coronavirus patients.From Mar 23 to Apr 21, 8 of the 77 patients (10%) experienced a cardiac