Key takeaways
- Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis).
- A study found that same-day hospital discharge was feasible and safe for selected patients following TAVI, based on specific eligibility criteria.
- Approximately one in five patients were successfully discharged on the same day as their TAVI procedure without an increased risk of adverse outcomes.
- The findings suggest that same-day discharge after TAVI could be implemented more widely, offering benefits to both patients and the healthcare system.
Munich, Germany – – Same-day hospital discharge after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) appears safe for carefully selected patients, according to research presented today at the EAPCI Summit 2026. The study suggests that expanding discharge criteria could reduce hospital stays and resource utilization without compromising patient safety.
TAVI is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for individuals with aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow. The procedure involves inserting a replacement valve through a catheter, typically via the groin. Initially reserved for older patients or those at high surgical risk, TAVI is now increasingly offered to a broader range of individuals.
Dr. Krishnarpan Chatterjee, from the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, UK, explained the motivation behind the analysis. “Next-day discharge after TAVI has become increasingly common with advancements in technology and streamlined care. Same-day discharge represents the next logical step. Previous studies have demonstrated its safety in highly selected patients. At our center, we’ve been using a protocol with expanded inclusion criteria for same-day discharge after elective transfemoral day-case TAVI. Our practice involves admitting patients on the day of the procedure and discharging them home the same day. This analysis aimed to demonstrate the safety of this approach.”
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of all elective TAVI cases between and to identify patients eligible for same-day discharge. Eligibility criteria included the absence of significant peripheral vascular disease, a pre-existing pacemaker or normal heart rhythm, and adequate home support – specifically, supervision by a relative, friend, or caregiver during the first night post-procedure. Patients with severe frailty, cognitive dysfunction, complex medication regimens, or clinical instability were excluded.
Of the 790 patients who underwent elective transfemoral TAVI during the study period, 279 (35.3%) were initially deemed eligible for potential same-day discharge. Of those, 160 (57.3%) were successfully discharged on the same day. Reasons for not being discharged the same day included heart rhythm abnormalities (67.2%) and vascular complications (10.9%). Researchers then retrospectively analyzed clinical records to assess outcomes within 30 days.
The average age of patients who underwent same-day discharge was 80.4 years, and 40% were female.
Clinical outcomes between discharge and 30 days were comparable between those discharged the same day and those who remained in the hospital for at least one night. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8% in the same-day discharge group compared to 0.8% in the non-same-day discharge group (p=0.472). Thirty-day readmission rates were 4.4% for same-day discharge and 9.2% for non-same-day discharge (p=0.102). These differences were not statistically significant.
“With careful patient selection, we’ve shown that around one in five patients can be safely discharged on the same day as their day-case TAVI procedure, without an increased risk of adverse events,” Dr. Chatterjee concluded. “Here’s beneficial for patients as it minimizes the risk of hospital-acquired complications like infection or delirium. It also contributes to more efficient use of healthcare resources. Further research into same-day discharge after day-case TAVI is warranted.”
The findings align with growing evidence suggesting that carefully selected patients can safely undergo less intensive post-operative monitoring following TAVI. While same-day discharge isn’t appropriate for all patients, the study highlights the potential for expanding access to this option, potentially reducing the burden on hospital resources and improving the patient experience.
It’s important to note that the study was a retrospective analysis, meaning it looked back at data already collected. While this provides valuable insights, it cannot definitively prove cause and effect. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine the criteria for selecting patients who are suitable for same-day discharge after TAVI.
