Selection criteria for referral to in-hospital intensive cardiac rehabilitation after transcatheter aortic-valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is assuming a major role in the routine management of patients with aortic stenosis. There is a paucity of data to substantiate the referral of these patients to in-hospital intensive cardiac rehabilitation, widely recognized as the standard of care for cardiac patients in the post-acute phase. The patients considered to be candidates for TAVI were at high risk, defined by Euroscore >20% or STS score >10%, mainly because they had coexisting comorbidities, with high care and rehabilitative needs. Reasonable selection criteria for referral were: trans-apical approach, past history of heart failure or coronary artery disease, advanced therapy needs (e.g. ventilatory, inotropic, nutritional), worsening comorbidities, logistic or social problem, frailty, and need of educational and lifestyle support.