Breaking News: SMART Clinical Trial Results

In this HeartValveSurgery.com educational video, Adam Pick speaks with Dr. Angela Lowenstern of Vanderbilt Health about the important two-year results of the SMART clinical trial and what they mean for women with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and a small aortic annulus. Dr. Lowenstern explains why women are often diagnosed later and treated less frequently, why the SMART trial was especially unique with 87% women enrolled, and how the study showed similar safety outcomes between self-expanding and balloon-expandable TAVR valves, with the Medtronic Evolut self-expanding valve demonstrating improved blood flow and lower rates of valve dysfunction that may support better long-term durability. Most importantly, she encourages women to be proactive, recognize that symptoms are not simply part of aging, and work closely with their physicians to select the best TAVR option based on their unique anatomy. (Video posted on April 13, 2026)