What is Tavi?
TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. It’s a procedure that helps to improve a damaged aortic valve. During a TAVI procedure, an artificial valve made of natural animal heart tissue (usually from a cow or a pig) will be implanted into your heart.
Why does one need TAVI?
The doctor may recommend a TAVI procedure if one has a problem with the aortic valve and are too high risk for open heart surgery. The aortic valve is one of four main valves in heart. As heart beats, it opens and closes, allowing blood to flow from your heart to the rest of one’s body in one direction.
As one age, calcium can build up on the valve, making it harder and thicker. As a result, the aortic valve is unable to open properly, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve. This is a condition called aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis can lead to breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue and dizziness. A TAVI procedure helps to repair the valve.
Below, one can watch a short video from one of our specialists explaining more about a TAVI.
What happens during a TAVI?
A TAVI procedure takes place in a hospital room which looks like an operating theatre. The patient will be taken to the procedure room on a trolley or wheelchair and be asked to lie on a narrow procedure table. One will be awake throughout the procedure, and the doctor will give you medication to help relax. During the procedure:
The area is numbed, and either a local anesthetic with sedation or a general anesthetic is given. This will be discussed with prior to the procedure
A balloon catheter is inserted into an artery in either the groin or underneath the collarbone
The balloon catheter is guided into your heart and positioned within the opening of the aortic valve
The doctor gently inflates the balloon to open up the valve
The doctor implants a new aortic valve using metal mesh tube which keeps the valve in place – the new valve either expands by itself or is expanded using the balloon, depending on the type of valve used
The new valve is positioned to push aside the damaged aortic valve
The balloon is deflated and the doctor removes the balloon catheter
What happens after a TAVI?
After the TAVI procedure, the doctor will monitor closely and tell how long one needs to stay in hospital. Remember that the team is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcome, and they will be there to support your recovery every step of the way.
Before one goes home, will be given detailed instructions on how to recover well and return to good health – and it’s very important that one should follow this advice. If one continues to feel any signs or symptoms that make feel concerned, make an appointment with your the
