treatment
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
TAVI is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis or occasionally Severe Aortic regurgitation in whom conventional surgical valve replacement is intermediate or high risk. In selected patients, there may be a preference for TAVI rather than conventional surgery based on other factors.
What is TAVI?
Typically, TAVI will involve implantation of a new Aortic valve through the femoral artery (large artery in the groin). It is performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia. Typically, a patient will require an in hospital stay of between 48 and 72hrs, occasionally longer. In advance of a TAVI procedure, specialised CT scanning (3D Xray) and a Coronary Angiogram are required.
Why would you need TAVI?
You will most likely have had symptoms such as chest discomfort on exertion and/or breathlessness in combination with an Echo confirming Severe Aortic Stenosis. Dr Shand will have discussed the treatment options available and based on your baseline health status, co-existent medical conditions and heart anatomy made a recommendation for TAVI. Often these decisions are made in our multidisciplinary team environment to ensure that the best option is chosen for you based on consensus opinion.
