Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve in the heart becomes narrow and restricts blood flow. Instead of open-heart surgery, TAVI involves inserting a collapsible artificial valve into the body via a catheter. The catheter is typically guided through an artery, often in the groin or chest, and positioned within the diseased aortic valve. Once in place, the new valve is expanded, pushing the old valve aside and restoring normal blood flow. TAVI is an option for patients who may be at higher risk for traditional open-heart surgery or for those seeking a less invasive approach to treat aortic valve issues. It often results in shorter recovery times and reduced post-operative complications compared to open-heart surgery.

TAVI is usually performed by a team of specialists, including interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, who have expertise in minimally invasive heart procedures.

The success rate of TAVI varies depending on several factors, such as the patient's age, overall health, and the severity of the valve disease. In general, the success rate of TAVI is high, with a reported success rate of 95% or higher.