Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement implantation (TAVI) is a minimally-invasive procedure for people with severe aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) refers to a narrowing of the aortic valve opening which restricts the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and may also affect the pressure in the left atrium. AS may not result in much symptoms until blood flow is severely restricted which may lead to symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting spells
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac death

If left untreated, the survival rate for patients suffering from severe AS is only at 50% within 2 years.

Usually a heart valve surgery requires an open heart procedure involving sternotomy, in which a vertical inline incision is made in the middle of the chest at the breastbone (sternum) to provide access to the chest cavity.

A TAVR or TAVI allows an aortic valve to be implanted using a long thin and flexible tube (catheter) through very small incision made in the groin that leave all the chest bones in place. A minimally invasive heart surgery like TAVI may involve a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery and less pain than traditional open heart surgery.