Optimizing your TAVR Program

A recent article in Circulation, published online ahead of print, addressed a retrospective cohort study using data from the STS/ACC TVT Registry which concluded that significant differences in the quality of TAVR care exists, particularly, variations in mortality and major complications after TAVR procedures in the United States (Desai et al, 2021). The study also…

Advocating for our Healthcare

Working in the industry, whether as a clinician at the patient bedside; in Administration or a Quality, Finance, or Ancillary Department; as a supply or equipment vendor; or in healthcare consulting, we can all relate to the importance of patient advocacy and the reason behind why many of us have chosen to join the remarkable…

The Business Case for TAVR

WHY TAVR? When TAVR first emerged, this procedure was primarily performed in academic, quaternary, tertiary-type centers. But as time goes on, more and more community-based open-heart centers are offering TAVR as well. There is no question that TAVR is growing at a rapid pace, but there are many more entrants into the market. At Corazon…

Transitioning into a Service Line Structure

In the past, hospitals were organized around departments or services like the catheterization lab, non-invasive labs, outpatient cardiology offices, etc.  In contrast, a service line is organized around programs or patient types regardless of where they originate (inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care centers).  The goal of organizing this way is to create value by leveraging…

Quality Cannot Take a Back Seat, Even in a Pandemic

Quality has always been a factor that carries significant weight among consumers when seeking new products or services. When considering quality in healthcare, it is the foundation upon which a strong reputation and overall success of an organization is built. Certainly, consumers are driven to healthcare institutions that pride themselves on high-quality care, and many…

The Business Case to Move from PSC to Thrombectomy Capable

WHY MOVE FROM PSC TO THROMBECTOMY CAPABLE? When mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of ischemic stroke first emerged, it was exclusively performed in comprehensive stroke centers (CSC).  But as time passed, more and more community-based hospitals began to offer MT as well after several clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy the procedure, regardless of setting. …

The Need for More Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers

While researching statistics related to the ongoing access issue for mechanical thrombectomy treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke, I found information that estimated the current number of Baby Boomers in the 73 million range.  And, while certainly the 2020 census will further refine that number to show the impact of this generation on America’s age…