Temporal trends in utilization of transcatheter aortic valve implantation and patient characteristics – a nationwide cohort study

Abstract Introduction In recent years, there has been a surge in the utilization of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Randomized controlled trials have compared TAVI to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients at high-, intermediate-, and low perioperative risk. As TAVI continues to be utilized in patients with lower risk profiles, it is important to investigate the temporal trends in “real-world” patients undergoing TAVI. Purpose To investigate temporal trends in the utilization of TAVI and examine changes in patient characteristics of patients undergoing first-time TAVI. Methods Using complete Danish nationwide registries, we included all patients undergoing first-time TAVI between 2008 and 2017. To compare patient characteristics, the study population was stratified according to calendar year in the following groups: 2008–2009, 2010–2011, 2012–2013, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017. Results We identified 3,534 patients undergoing first-time TAVI. In 2008–2009, 180 patients underwent first-time TAVI compared with 1,417 patients in 2016–2017, resulting in a 687% increase in TAVI procedures performed. During the study period, the median age remained stable (2008–2009: Median age 82 year [25th–75th percentile: 78–85] vs. 2016–2017: Median age 81 years [25th–75th percentile: 76–85]; P-value: 0.06). The proportion of men undergoing first-time TAVI increased over the years (2008–2009: 49.4% vs 2016–2017: 54.9%; P-value for trend: