Heart procedure
TAVI
TAVI replaces a narrowed aortic heart valve using a catheter, without the need for open-heart surgery.
Quick answer
TAVI: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) delivers a new aortic valve through a thin tube (catheter), usually via an artery in the groin, expanding it inside the old, narrowed valve without opening the chest.
- Why it is done: It is used for severe narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis), particularly in older people or those for whom open-heart surgery would be too risky, to relieve symptoms and improve survival.
- What happens: Under sedation or general anaesthetic, the catheter is guided to the heart under X-ray, and the new valve is positioned inside the diseased one and expanded.
What it is
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) delivers a new aortic valve through a thin tube (catheter), usually via an artery in the groin, expanding it inside the old, narrowed valve without opening the chest.
Why it is done
It is used for severe narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis), particularly in older people or those for whom open-heart surgery would be too risky, to relieve symptoms and improve survival.
What happens
Under sedation or general anaesthetic, the catheter is guided to the heart under X-ray, and the new valve is positioned inside the diseased one and expanded. It usually takes 1–2 hours.
Recovery
Recovery is generally quicker than open surgery, with many people going home within a few days and returning to normal activities over a couple of weeks, monitored by the heart team.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, stroke, the need for a pacemaker afterwards, and problems at the artery access site. It is a major procedure carefully planned by a specialist heart team.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
TAVI: frequently asked questions
Who is TAVI suitable for?
It is mainly used for severe aortic stenosis in people who are older or at higher risk from open surgery, though it is increasingly considered in others too. A specialist heart team decides suitability.
How is TAVI different from open valve surgery?
TAVI replaces the valve through a catheter without opening the chest or stopping the heart, usually allowing faster recovery, whereas open surgery removes and replaces the valve directly.
Related
Other heart procedure
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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