Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure primarily used to treat aortic stenosis. This is a condition where the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow from the heart.
TAVI helps improve symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, improving overall quality of life.
The procedure involves deploying a new valve via the artery and this new valve expands, pushes aside the old valve leaflets and takes over its function to restore normal blood flow. This procedure is commonly recommended for patients who are at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery.
Preparing for your visit
The procedure will take place at a Hospital Catheterisation Laboratory, not at the Heartwest clinic. You will be given a check in time and have consultation with the surgical team before the procedure.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation is typically completed within 1 to 3 hours however we recommend speaking to your specialist about hospital preparation and recovery time.
- You will be taken to the Cath Lab and asked to lie on a moveable narrow table.
- You will be connected to a few monitoring devices and then the shaved parts (typically the groin) will be cleaned and sterilised with a special solution (which may feel cold). After that your whole body will be covered with sterile drapes.
- A sheath will be inserted into the artery where various catheters, wires and instruments will be inserted to reach the heart.
- As the catheter is advanced to your heart, you may feel slight pressure but minimal discomfort.
- Once the catheter reaches the heart, the cardiologist positions it precisely at the site of the aortic valve.
- The new aortic valve is crimped tightly onto a balloon or is self-expanding and mounted on the catheter. If it is a balloon-expandable valve, then the balloon is inflated, pushes the old valve leaflets aside and secures the new valve in place. If it is a self-expanding valve, then the device expands on its own once positioned.
- The new valve immediately takes over the function of the old valve, allowing blood to flow normally from the heart to the rest of the body.
- The cardiologist uses imaging techniques, such as echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), to confirm that the device is properly positioned and secured in place.
- The catheter is carefully removed and the patient is monitored for recovery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation is usually completed under local anaesthesia to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. You may also receive mild sedation to help you relax.
