Survey on Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation Practices in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Biagio Castaldi, Gianfranco Butera, Massimo Chessa, Lorenzo Galletti, Alessandro Giamberti, Luca Giugno, Aurelio Secinaro, Vladimiro Vida, Giovanni Di Salvo, Mario Carminati
Primary Institution: University of Padua, Italy
Hypothesis
What are the current practices and perceptions regarding transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) among cardiologists in Italy?
Conclusion
There is a significant disconnect between implanting and non-implanting centers regarding the referral and management of patients eligible for TPVI.
Supporting Evidence
- 82 physicians responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 18%.
- Non-implanters often perceive TPVI as a niche procedure for high-risk patients.
- Reasons for non-referral included patients' poor adherence to management programs and lack of connections with specialized centers.
- Implanters cited high risk for coronary compression and unsuitable anatomy as main reasons for refraining from TPVI.
Takeaway
Doctors in Italy are not fully connected when it comes to helping patients who need a special heart valve procedure called TPVI, which can make it harder for some patients to get the help they need.
Methodology
An online survey was conducted among physicians from implanting and non-implanting cardiological centers in Italy to gather information on current practices regarding TPVI.
Potential Biases
The voluntary nature of the survey may attract respondents with a specific interest in TPVI, which could skew the results.
Limitations
The survey reflects the experience of only those physicians who chose to respond, potentially introducing bias in the results.
Participant Demographics
The majority of respondents were clinical cardiologists or pediatric cardiologists, with a significant portion having over 11 years of experience in managing congenital heart disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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