Same-Day Discharge After TAVI Proves Safe for Select Patients in Landmark Study

A new study suggests that some patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be safely discharged on the same day. Led by Dr. Krishnarpan Chatterjee from James Cook University Hospital, the research analysed outcomes for patients treated between June 2018 and December 2024. The findings indicate that careful selection could make same-day discharge both feasible and beneficial for a significant number of cases.

The study focused on 790 elective transfemoral TAVI patients, with 279 (35.3%) initially meeting criteria for potential same-day discharge. Of these, 160 patients (57.3%) were successfully sent home within hours of the procedure. The average age of those discharged early was 80.4 years, and 40% were women.

Key criteria for discharge included stable blood pressure, no major vascular issues, and minimal bleeding. Patients also had to show no serious heart rhythm problems or neurological concerns. A standardised checklist was applied 4-6 hours post-procedure to confirm suitability.

The most common reasons for delaying discharge were heart rhythm abnormalities (67.2%) and vascular complications (10.9%). Despite the early release, no differences were found in 30-day mortality or readmission rates compared to patients who stayed longer.

Researchers noted that same-day discharge could ease pressure on hospital beds, cut costs, and reduce the risk of complications linked to extended hospital stays. However, they stressed the need for further trials to refine patient selection and ensure safety.

The study demonstrates that same-day discharge after TAVI is possible for carefully chosen patients without compromising safety. With no increase in readmissions or mortality, the approach could offer practical benefits for healthcare systems. Further research will now explore how to best identify eligible patients and optimise the process.