Transcatheter Valve Therapy: A Professional Society Overview from the American College of Cardiology Foundation and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The evolution of transcatheter valve therapy raises important questions for practitioners, patients, and government agencies on the appropriate treatment strategy for patients who could be eligible for this procedure. The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and The Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS) joined together to write this paper to set the stage for a series of documents, to be joined by other professional societies, to address the issues critical to successful integration of this new procedure into medical practice in the United States. Final review and approval of the document was provided by the ACCF Board of Trustees and the STS Board of Directors. The ACCF and STS believe this document will be helpful to frame the discussion of key issues and questions for consideration as this new technology unfolds. Our organizations remain committed to providing guidance on key clinical issues.