In short
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) replaces a narrowed aortic valve using a catheter, usually inserted through an artery in the groin, rather than through open-heart surgery. It is a treatment for appropriately selected people with significant aortic stenosis.
Understanding aortic stenosis
The aortic valve controls blood flow out of the heart to the body. In aortic stenosis the valve becomes stiff and narrowed, usually with age, so the heart must work harder. Symptoms can include breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting, and tiredness, though some people have none at first.
Who may be assessed
TAVI may be considered for people with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Whether TAVI or surgical valve replacement is better depends on age, other medical conditions, valve and blood-vessel anatomy, and personal preference. These decisions are often made by a heart team after detailed tests, usually including echocardiography and CT scanning.
What generally happens
A new valve, compressed onto a catheter, is guided to the heart and expanded inside the old valve, pushing the diseased leaflets aside. It is done in hospital, often with sedation and local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthesia, although this varies.
How it differs from surgical valve replacement
Surgical aortic valve replacement involves opening the chest and using a heart-lung machine. TAVI avoids this, which usually means a shorter recovery, but it carries its own risks and is not suitable for everyone. Long-term durability information continues to develop.
Risks and limitations
General risks include bleeding or blood-vessel damage at the access site, stroke, heart rhythm problems — some patients need a pacemaker afterwards — leakage around the new valve, and kidney effects from contrast dye. Your team will explain your individual risk.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery and follow-up are planned individually. How long you stay, when you can drive, return to work or exercise, and any change to your medicines depend on your condition and the procedure, and are discussed with you by the treating team. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines unless the prescribing clinician advises it.
Follow-up typically includes echocardiography to check the new valve.
Where it takes place
Where a procedure is recommended, the practice will confirm the hospital venue, the admission arrangements and any preparation when your care is arranged. Procedures are not performed in the consulting suite.
Questions to ask your clinical team
- How severe is my aortic stenosis, and is it causing my symptoms?
- Why is TAVI, rather than surgery or monitoring, recommended for me?
- What is my risk of stroke or of needing a pacemaker afterwards?
- What tests will I need beforehand?
Common questions
Is TAVI suitable for everyone with aortic stenosis?+
No. It is for appropriately selected patients after detailed assessment. Some are better suited to surgery, and mild stenosis is usually monitored.
Sources and further reading
- British Heart Foundation — TAVI
- American Heart Association — Heart valve disease risks, signs and symptoms
General patient education written in plain language and informed by the sources above. It is not a substitute for an individual assessment, and does not describe practice-specific fees, referral rules or preparation — please confirm these with the practice.