This podcast episode features our host, Dr. Kendra Grubb, conversing with our guest, Dr. Ashok Seth, a renowned interventional cardiologist. Dr. Seth discusses his pioneering work introducing TAVR and other interventional technology to India and Asia over the past 30 years.

Dr. Seth performed the first TAVR CoreValve self-expandable in India in 2004, marking a significant milestone in interventional cardiology. Social attitudes and a lack of reimbursement are additional barriers to TAVI adoption among the elderly in India; India has a unique patient population with more bicuspid cases and smaller annuli, which influences valve choice during procedures. Dr. Seth emphasizes tailoring valve selection to patient anatomy and lifetime management needs.

The podcast also touches on the future of structural heart interventions, with Dr. Seth expressing excitement about advancements in mitral and tricuspid valve technologies.

Dr. Seth advises emerging TAVI programs to focus on robust systems, standardized protocols, and a hub-and-spoke model for safe and effective outcomes.