TAVR vs SAVR in Severe Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis

Bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital heart condition characterized by the presence of two, rather than the typical three, cusps in the aortic valve.

The condition can lead to various complications, including aortic stenosis (AS; narrowing of the valve opening), aortic regurgitation (leaking of the valve), and an increased risk of aortic aneurysm.

The BELIEVERS trial builds on this foundation, integrating imaging-guided methodologies to create a robust framework for randomization with contemporary technologies and thus provide definitive evidence for treatment of this complex population.

Since the congenital severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis was considered in most of the cases an exclusion from all large TAVR vs SAVR trials, there is no clear evidence on which procedure would be more efficient for such anatomical condition.

The suitable consented subjects will be randomized 1:1 on either TAVR or SAVR arm. These patients will be followed through clinic visits at 30 days, one year and annually up to 10 years.

Inclusion criteria

• 50 years of age or older at time of consent
• Severe AS deemed suitable for a bioprosthesis by a local heart team (unsuitable or patient declined a mechanical valve or Ross procedure, following demonstration of evidence-based shared decision making with a validated decision-aid(1)
• Gated contrast CT available and suitable for core laboratory analysis;
• BAV anatomy confirmed by CT core laboratory analysis

Exclusion criteria

• Recent cardiovascular intervention within 30 days prior to randomization.
• Presence of an existing TAVR or SAVR device
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Extreme or prohibitive TAVR or SAVR risk, adjudicated by Patient Selection Committee (PSC) Review
• Active enrollment in another investigational study
• Disproportionate TAVR vs SAVR risk, as adjudicated by the patient selection committee
• Associated aortopathy (AA≥45mm by maximal cross-sectional dimension, as confirmed by CT core laboratory analysis, or AA<45mm but site plan for surgery of the aorta in the event of randomization to surgery
• Site plan for treatment of concomitant non-coronary cardiovascular disease in the event of randomization to surgery (for instance, concomitant valve surgery, septal defect or coarctation repair, aorta or root replacement or repair)
• In the presence of coronary artery disease deemed necessary for revascularization in the event of randomization to SAVR or TAVR, Syntax score ≥ 32 or deemed unsuitable for PCI, or deemed unsuitable for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Plan to use any device other than commercially approved Edwards balloon expandable or Medtronic self-expanding TAVR
• Leukopenia (WBC < 3000 cells/µL), anemia (Hgb < 8 g/dL), Thrombocytopenia (Plt < 50,000 cells/µL) on latest available labs within 30 days prior to randomization
• Hemodynamic or respiratory instability requiring inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, or mechanical heart assistance within 30 days prior to randomization
• LVEF < 25% within 90 days prior to randomization
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 90 days prior to randomization
• Renal insufficiency (eGFR < 30 ml/min per the Cockcroft-Gault formula)
• Severe lung disease (FEV1 < 50% predicted), unresolved prior to randomization
• History of liver disease defined as MELD Score ≥ 10 or Child-Pugh Class B or C
• Unable to complete the KCCQ due cognitive impairment or other medical condition