Cutting down on the cutdown: Time to remove the training wheels for transfemoral access for TAVR

Abstract

Percutaneous transfemoral access is replacing cutdowns, even in the absence of a high level evidence base The evolution of smaller profile TAVR sheaths will make cutdowns largely obsolete Patient comfort, early ambulation, and shorter length of stay, along with improved methodologies will continue to drive the move to percutaneous access and closure for TAVR.