We update the "2021 expert consensus on clinical pathway for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in China" using the Delphi method. By searching for evidence related to the clinical pathways of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in PubMed, CIKI, and Wanfang Database over the past four years, 35 core viewpoints were proposed in four directions: TAVR team composition and clinical evaluation, perioperative imaging assessment, surgical process, and perioperative and postoperative long-term management of patients. The specific updates include: refining the responsibilities and composition of the TAVR team, clarifying the steps and content of clinical evaluation; emphasizing the core position of CT in perioperative imaging assessment, and introducing the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, numerical simulation, and 3D printing; optimizing the TAVR surgical process, including anesthesia selection, access establishment, valve selection and release, and others; and proposing management strategies for special types of patients (such as emergency TAVR, simplified TAVR, pure aortic regurgitation, combined coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation). In addition, the consensus also emphasizes the importance of postoperative follow-up and rehabilitation, and provides detailed antithrombotic and rehabilitation guidance. The update of this consensus will further promote the standardized development of TAVR technology in China and improve clinical treatment effects.
Transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has become an important treatment opinion for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) at high risk for surgery. The devices and procedural techniques of TEER are complex and require excellent team cooperation. However, there is still a lack of standardized clinical pathways in China. Based on the latest evidence, the expert group wrote this clinical pathway to guide and optimize TEER therapy in clinical practice. It demonstrates the following key issues of clinical concern: (1) TEER team building; (2) preoperative clinical evaluation of TEER patients; (3) imaging assessment before TEER procedure; (4) standardized procedures for TEER; (5) TEER for complex MR; (6) the standard process of perioperative comprehensive management; and (7) full life-cycle rehabilitation and follow-up. This clinical pathway might be helpful to facilitate the standardized development of TEER therapy and application, and promote the improvement of management and life quality for patients with MR.