Improvement of quality of life following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the elderly: a multi-centre study based on the Polish national TAVI registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective therapeutic method for elderly high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, not eligible for surgical treatment.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate short-term changes in elderly people's quality of life following TAVI, based on the POL-TAVI registry.

METHODS: One hundred and eighty-four octogenarians' and nonagenarians' samples from the POL-TAVI database were included in the study. The quality of life status was assessed with EQ-5D-3L questionnaire at baseline and after one-month follow-up.

RESULTS: The mean of patients' age was 84 (80-93) years. Logistic EuroSCORE mean was 19.83% (3.48-83.94%), and transaortic mean gradient was 54.99 (19.0-149.0) mm Hg. At baseline, up to 24.50% of patients declared severe problems in performing usual activities. 13.60% felt extreme pain or discomfort; 9.80% were unable to wash and dress by themselves; 8.20% were extremely anxious or depressed; and 7.10% of the patients in the study were confined to bed. After 30 days the percentage of patients declaring severe problems in each dimension did not exceed 4.00%. The comparison between quality of life data at baseline and after one-month follow-up showed a significant improvement in each of five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression (p < 0.001). Patients' quality of life was increasing regardless of gender (female vs. male), the type of anaesthesia (general vs. local), and the type of procedure (TA vs. TF).

CONCLUSIONS: Short-term quality of life in the elderly subjects was significantly improved after one-month follow-up following TAVI.