Prior studies have demonstrated that peri-procedural complications are associated with increased healthcare costs after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Given the technological and procedural advances that have occurred in the management of aortic valve disease over the last decade, this study aims to understand the incremental cost of specific complications after SAVR and TAVR in contemporary practice.

Using the Medicare 100% standard analytic file, we identified all beneficiaries receiving SAVR or TAVR in the United States during fiscal year 2021. Specific complications were identified via ICD-10 codes. Multivariable analyses were performed to estimate the incremental cost and length of stay (LOS) for each complication. Attributable costs were calculated by adjusting the incremental cost of each complication for its incidence.

The cost of an uncomplicated TAVR index hospitalization was $46,257 with LOS 2.2 days, while an uncomplicated SAVR cost $58,488 with LOS 8.1 days. The presence of any complication increased costs and LOS for TAVR ($66,601; 5.9 days) and SAVR ($88,900; 13.4 days). Prolonged ventilation was associated with the highest incremental cost for TAVR ($55,742), while pacemaker implantation had the highest attributable cost ($1,270). Prolonged ventilation accounted for the highest incremental ($69,728) and attributable ($2,580) cost associated with SAVR.

This study provides contemporary data on the incremental costs of specific peri-procedural complications associated with TAVR and SAVR. These findings can be used to develop targeted interventions to optimize healthcare resource utilization in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.