The effect of surgical aortic valve replacement on the quality of life of patients with aortic valve stenosis

Type of funding sources: None.

The increasing efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) justifies a renewed assessment of quality of life (QOL) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term QOL in elderly patients undergoing isolated SAVR.

60 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) enrolled in our study (mean age 70.25±8.76, n=21 women). Clinical and QOL data collected pre surgery and at 1 year. For the assessment of QOL we used the instruments SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire), Euro-QOL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

QoL is significantly improved 1 year after SAVR according to the three assessment tools. The physical health score (PCS) was 58±10% preoperatively and 80±10% (p<.001) after 1 year. Similarly, mental health score (MCS) improved (55±6% vs 77±9%, p<.001). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a biological or Perceval valve and a preoperative EF <50% had greater improvement in PCS 1 year after SAVR than patients who received a mechanical valve or had a preoperative EF >50%.

The perceived QOL of patients with AS improved significantly 1 year after SAVR. The results could be useful in informing future patients and giving them realistic expectations.