Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) issued a statement responding to a national coverage determination (NCD) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The company said the updated policy represents a step toward expanding patient access to TAVR and gives multidisciplinary Heart Teams greater flexibility in patient evaluation and treatment. Edwards noted that delays in treating aortic stenosis can increase the risk of heart damage, hospitalization, and death.

"The modernized policy recognizes the importance of timely care by supporting a more streamlined patient care journey and giving Heart Teams greater flexibility to apply their expertise to both patient evaluation and treatment based on each patient's clinical needs," the company said in its statement.

Edwards said it expects implementation and adoption of the NCD to take time and expressed confidence in its previously communicated financial guidance for 2026. The company said it plans to provide 2027 and longer-term guidance at its investor conference in December.