Valvular & structural heart disease

Stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, temporal trends and predictors

HeartPublished nationwide cohort

Main finding · 30-day ischaemic or haemorrhagic strokeResult — go to the resultOdds ratio 0.97 95% CrI 0.95–1.00

Authors' conclusion

In this nationwide cohort, the incidence of early stroke after TAVI declined over time, partly reflecting changes in patient selection towards lower-risk profiles, with additional improvements in TAVI practice likely contributing. Despite this, early stroke remains strongly associated with excess mortality, underscoring the need for continued refinement of procedural strategies and targeted risk mitigation.

Study context

Population
All patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Sweden between 2008 and 2023
Participants
11,957 patients
Exposure
Temporal trends in 30-day stroke after TAVI, 2008 to 2023
Outcome
30-day ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke
Follow-up
30 days
Methodological detailsSWEDEHEART registry, Bayesian binomial regression, hierarchical Bayesian logistic regression with a centre-level random intercept, multivariable Bayesian Cox model with a 30-day landmark
  • SWEDEHEART registry
  • Bayesian binomial regression
  • Hierarchical Bayesian logistic regression with a centre-level random intercept
  • Multivariable Bayesian Cox model with a 30-day landmark

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Odds ratio

0.97

95% CrI 0.95–1.00

Per year
OR 0.97 (95% CrI 0.95–1.00)

Per year, as printed

Stroke within 30 days
374 (3.1%)
Stroke during index hospitalisation
310
Incidence of 30-day stroke in 2008
5.3%
Incidence of 30-day stroke in 2023
3.2%

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Contributors to temporal decline

The temporal decline was partly explained by changes in patient case-mix, particularly declining EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) II
Centre procedural volume did not modify temporal trends; trend similar across low-volume, medium-volume and high-volume centres

Predictors of 30-day stroke

Prior stroke, female sex, porcelain aorta and self-expanding valves associated with a higher probability of 30-day stroke
TAVI-in-SAVR (transcatheter aortic valve implantation in surgical aortic valve replacement) procedures associated with a lower stroke risk
  • Exploratory analyses

30-day and 1-year mortality

Stroke within 30 days was associated with markedly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality

Original publication

Stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, temporal trends and predictors. Heart. Published 14 May 2026. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2025-327547

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