OAC supports call to publicly fund transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for adults with degenerated mitral or tricuspid bioprosthetic valves

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) supports Ontario Health’s recommendation, based on guidance from the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, for publicly funding transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for adults with degenerated mitral or tricuspid bioprosthetic valves who are considered inoperable or high-risk for surgery.

The evidence supporting public funding of transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for these patients is clear.  The procedure is minimally invasive, safe, and effective.  Morbidity and mortality risks are generally lower with this bioprosthetic heart valve replacement option than with open-heart surgery.   It requires less time spent in hospital, shorter recovery times, and has shown dramatic improvement in patient quality of life.

In addition to these benefits, the procedure is preferred by patients over open-heart surgery.  It is also cost effective.  The OAC notes and supports Ontario Health’s estimate that publicly funding transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failing mitral or tricuspid bioprosthetic valves could lead to a cost saving over a five-year period.

The OAC represents Ontario’s cardiologists, who are medical specialists with in-depth expertise and experience in managing these patients. We urge the Ministry of Health to act on Ontario Health’s recommendation and extend public funding for transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for adults with degenerated mitral or tricuspid bioprosthetic valves who are considered inoperable or high-risk for surgery.

To review Ontario Health’s review, click here: https://www.hqontario.ca/Evidence-to-Improve-Care/Health-Technology-Assessment/Reviews-And-Recommendations/Transcatheter-Valve-in-Valve-Implantation-for-Degenerated-Mitral-or-Tricuspid-Bioprosthetic-Valves.

For more information, contact:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
34 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 410
Toronto, Ontario M4R 2H6
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: admin@ontac.ca
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca