European Guidelines Lower TAVR Age Threshold, Boosting Key MedTech Players

Updated European guidelines have lowered the recommended age for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) from 75 to 70 years, while strengthening recommendations for asymptomatic patients. The revisions, issued by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, position TAVR as the primary treatment for older patients, aiming to reduce early adverse outcomes and accelerate recovery.

William Blair analysts noted that Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Abbott are set to benefit from the age reduction, which expands the low-risk patient pool. The asymptomatic patient guidance, specifically, strengthens Edwards’ competitive position, as it is the only TAVR system with regulatory approval for asymptomatic use in Europe.

The guidelines also update recommendations for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), advising therapy for functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Analysts expect these changes to favor Abbott and Edwards, broadening their potential European market and reinforcing structural heart disease treatment adoption.

08-09-2025