BACKGROUND: The number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to assess the impact of a TAVI program on clinical profile, management and outcomes of these patients and to describe predictors of length of hospital stay (LoS) in this context. METHODS: Retrospective single center study enrolling consecutive AS patients undergoing TAVI and surviving to discharge (January 2018-December 2022). A TAVI program was implemented in may 2021. Baseline clinical characteristics, management and in-hospital complications were registered. Predictors of long hospital stay (> 7 day) were assessed by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 614 patients, with mean age 80.5 years. Most patients (438/614, 71.2%) presented conditions that precluded an early discharge. Mean hospital stay was 7.6 days. Patients admitted after the implementation of the program had a significantly lower burden of comorbidities. The rate of conduction disturbances after TAVI remained stable around 60%. However, permanent pacemaker requirement declined from 30.3% to 22.5% (P = 0.028). LoS was reduced after the implementation of the program both in patients suitable for an early discharge (from 6.5 day to 4 day, P < 0.001) and unsuitable patients (from 9.4 day to 7.7 day, P = 0.014). The final predictive model for LoS included prior pacemaker and availability of TAVI program as protectors and other valvular diseases, day of the week, emergent procedures, and conduction disturbances and other complications as independent predictors of long stay after TAVI. CONCLUSIONS Most patients undergoing TAVI present conditions that preclude an early hospital discharge. The implementation of a TAVI program improved selection of patients, with a lower burden of comorbidities, a lower rate of complications and a marked reduction of hospital stay.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has changed the treatment paradigm of the aortic stenosis (AS). It has become the treatment of choice in patients with symptomatic AS and surgical high risk, and a valid alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with low and medium surgical risk. Despite numerous evidence on clinical results, indications and benefits, only a few studies analyse it from patient's perspective and the impact of TAVI on them. The objective of this study is to evaluate the experience of patients undergoing TAVI. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive observational study in two Spanish hospitals, with a establish Nurse TAVI program, with 100 patients undergoing TAVI. A specific questionnaire was designed (VALVEX questionnaire) and a pilot study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and patients. The questionnaire was given to patients at 30 days after TAVI procedure during the follow up at the TAVI nurse clinic. RESULTS: The study demonstrated a mean satisfaction of 9 for the TAVI program, with 96% of patients that would recommend TAVI to other patients. Patients scored a high satisfaction on the information received prior to the procedure. During the procedure and admission, the satisfaction was high in relation to the care received. During the follow up, satisfaction was high in relation to the role of the TAVI nurse, for the information and continuation of care during the procedure, in reducing anxiety, organising their admission and understanding the process. However, questions with less scores were related to hospital catering, delay between diagnosed and treatment, and patient decision-making process. CONCLUSION The evaluation of patient experience allows us to improve the information given to the patient during their TAVI process and it can also allow patients to be more relax, aware and prepared for the procedure. Continuous follow up enables monitoring of patient recovery and helps to discuss any doubts improving patient's satisfaction. The use of PREMs and PROMs associated to TAVI pathway combined with an active participation of the patient on the design of the questionnaire is essential for keeping the patient in the centre of the TAVI pathway.