Successful fast track protocol implementation for patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background: The aim of the current study is to report our experience with fast-track treatment of patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) and to determine perioperative predictors for fast-track protocol failure. Methods: Being one of the pioneering centers to start performing TA-TAVI back in 2005, we routinely included patients undergoing this procedure into our fast-track management program since 2008. Between January 2008 and June 2013, 207 consecutive high-risk patients (mean age 79 +/- 7 years, mean Log. EuroSCORE 24 +/- 10) who underwent TA-TAVI accordingly to our institutional fast-track approach were prospectively collected and analyzed. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent pre- and perioperative predictors of fast-track protocol failure, defined as inability to discharge the patient from the intensive care unit (ICU) on the day of surgery or as readmission to the ICU 48 h after the initial discharge. Results: Fast-track management was successful in 83 % of the patients. 30-day mortality was 8 %. Fast-track protocol failure (17 %) was associated with an outcome worsening compared to the remaining patients (mortality: 40 % vs. 2 % and mean hospital stay: 19 +/- 12 vs. 10 +/- 9 days; P = .002). Independent predictors of fast-track protocol failure were age >= 85 years (OR 3.1; CI 95 % 1.89-6.21), ejection fraction (EF) <= 30 % (OR 2.6; CI 95 % 1.99-7.52), moderate to severe preoperative mitral valve regurgitation (OR 2.7; CI 95 % 1.27-6.43) and fluoroscopy time = 12 min (OR 2.9; CI 95 % 1.28-7.46). Conclusions: Fast-track patient management following TA-TAVI is safe and reproducible in the majority of patients. Besides patient-related preoperative risk factors (age >= 85 years, EF <= 30 % and moderate to severe preoperative mitral valve regurgitation) a technically challenging intraoperative course as evidenced in a prolonged fluoroscopy time are independent predictors of fast-track protocol failure which is associated with high loss of patient outcome.