https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515117738991 European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 1–9 © The European Society of Cardiology 2017 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1474515117738991 journals.sagepub.com/home/cnu Introduction Aortic stenosis (AS) is a valvular heart disease that affects about 3% of adults aged 75 years and older. 1,2 When left untreated, life expectancy is two to four years once patients become symptomatic. 2 Transcatheter aortic valve implan- tation (TAVI) is the treatment of choice for frail, older adults and is increasingly recommended for patients at intermediate surgical risk. 3 To date, multiple clinical trials and other studies have demonstrated improved mortality, Understanding experiences of undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: one-year follow-up Jennifer Baumbusch 1 , Sandra B Lauck 2 , Leslie Achtem 2 , Tamar O’Shea 1 , Sarah Wu 3 and Davina Banner 4 Abstract Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the treatment of choice for frail, older adults with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Although research about long-term clinical outcomes is emerging, there is limited evidence from the perspectives of patients and family caregivers on their perceived benefits and challenges after TAVI. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe older adults and family caregivers’ perspectives on undergoing TAVI at one year post-procedure. Methods: Qualitative description was the method of inquiry. A purposive sample of 31 patients and 15 family caregivers was recruited from a TAVI programme in western Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants one year after TAVI. Data were analysed thematically. Results: All participants were satisfied with the decision to undergo TAVI. There were three central themes. First, recovery was experienced in the context of aging and comorbidities, which was shaped by patients’ limited options for care and post-procedure symptom burden. Second, reconciling expectations with reality meant that, for some patients, symptom burden remained prevalent and was also influenced by others’ expectations. Third, recommendations for recovery related to having information needs met, keeping informed of evolving care processes, and addressing individualised needs for support. Conclusions: The perspectives of participants provide a valuable contribution to the literature about undergoing TAVI. Clinicians need to be attentive to patients’ expectations of benefit and temper these with consideration of the individual’s broader health situation to provide treatment decision support. Patients and family caregivers also need adequate teaching and support to facilitate safe transition home given the shift towards early discharge after TAVI. Keywords Aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), patient experience, caregiver experience, qualitative Date received: 5 March 2017; accepted: 5 October 2017 1 School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Canada 2 St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada 3 Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Canada 4 School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada Corresponding author: Jennifer Baumbusch, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201 – 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada. Email: jennifer.baumbusch@nursing.ubc.ca 738991CNU 0 0 10.1177/1474515117738991European Journal of Cardiovascular NursingBaumbusch et al. research-article 2017 Article