Quick facts
Treatment type
Minimally invasive, catheter-based
Hospital stay
1-3 days
Return to activities
1-2 weeks
Anaesthesia
Sedation or general
What is it
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve. A new valve is delivered to the heart through a catheter, without the need for open-heart surgery.
Why it is done
A narrowed aortic valve restricts blood flow from the heart. TAVI replaces the diseased valve with a new valve, improving blood flow and helping relieve symptoms.
Who needs it
Severe aortic stenosis
Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain or fainting
High or intermediate risk for open-heart surgery
Other major medical conditions that may affect surgical risk
The heart team evaluates your medical history and symptoms, imaging and diagnostic tests, your risk of open-heart surgery, and your own goals and preferences. Treatment is decided together with you.
Types and options
Transfemoral - through the groin
Transapical - through a small incision in the chest
Transaxillary - through the artery below the collarbone
Transaortic - through a small incision in the chest
The heart team selects the most appropriate approach for each patient.
Tests before treatment
Medical history and physical evaluation
Echocardiography
CT scan
Other cardiac imaging
Assessment of surgical and procedural risk
Evaluation of your overall health and anatomy
How it is done
The new valve is compressed inside a catheter and delivered to the heart. Once positioned, it expands and begins functioning immediately.
Recovery
Most patients go home within 1-3 days. Light activities may generally resume within 1-2 weeks, depending on individual recovery and medical advice. Continued follow-up is important to monitor the new valve and maintain heart health. Many patients experience improvement in symptoms and energy within days to weeks.
Benefits and outcomes
Less invasive - no large chest incision or open-heart surgery
Shorter recovery - many patients recover faster
Improved quality of life - may relieve shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain
Proven safety - extensively studied and used for appropriate patients
Return to life - helps many patients return to normal activities sooner
Risks and complications
Bleeding or blood-vessel complications
Stroke
Heart rhythm disturbances, which may require a pacemaker
Kidney injury, usually temporary
Valve leakage around the new valve (paravalvular leak)
Infection
The heart team evaluates individual risks and works to minimise complications.
Preparing to travel
Complete the required cardiac tests and imaging
Review your medical history and medications with the heart team
Undergo assessment to determine the safest access route
Prepare for sedation or general anaesthesia as advised
How it is done
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1
Preparation
You will receive sedation or general anaesthesia to keep you comfortable. The team prepares the access area, usually in the groin.
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2
Access
A small incision is made in the groin. The catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and guided toward the heart.
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3
Positioning
The catheter is guided across the diseased aortic valve and the new valve is positioned correctly.
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4
Valve implantation
The new valve is expanded, pushing the old valve leaflets aside. The new valve begins working immediately.
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5
Final result
The catheter is removed. The new valve is functioning and blood can flow more easily.
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6
Recovery
You are monitored in the hospital following the procedure. Many patients can go home within 1-3 days.
Where you can have this
No hospital listed for this yet.Tell us where you are and what you need, and we will find one.
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What it costs
What changes the price
Type of TAVI valve used
Hospital selected
Doctor and heart team
Diagnostic investigations
Your medical condition
Length of hospital stay
Additional treatments or complications
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