Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) is a safe, effective treatment for patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). Wait times between procedure eligibility and completion vary widely, often surpassing six months. It is unknown how longer wait times may impact clinical outcomes after the procedure. This exploratory analysis uses real world data to compare patient post-procedure outcomes by wait time groups.
METHODS: Procedure and diagnosis codes were used to identify TEER patients with DMR in the Optum Market Clarity database (Q4 2015-Q2 2024). Patients were categorized by the time between procedure eligibility and completion (<6 months, 6 months to 2 years, and ≥2 years) and one-year health outcomes were compared. ANOVA and chi-square were used to compare one-year annualized heart failure hospitalizations (HFH), heart attack, stroke, and follow-up mitral valve procedures (MVP); all-cause mortality was tested with a Cox proportional hazard model.
RESULTS: We identified 1,415 patients (53% male; age M=77 years, SD=10.24; 8% Non-White). Groups did not differ on heart attack (p=0.59), stroke (p=0.07), or follow-up MVP (p=0.08). The 6m-to-2y (n=360) group averaged significantly more HFHs than <6m (n=600; p=0.03). The ≥2y group (n=455) had a significantly higher mortality risk at one year compared to <6m (HR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.32-2.54; p<.001).
CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory analysis found that patients who wait <6 months between TEER eligibility and completion have fewer HFH and lower mortality in the year after the procedure, compared with those who wait longer. Understanding the impact of wait times on health outcomes may inform provider care decisions as well as facility and government policies by highlighting the importance of timely care.