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TAVI is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure used to replace a stenotic aortic valve. Instead of open-heart surgery, a catheter-based technique is used, making it a safer alternative for high-risk patients. It is particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those who cannot undergo traditional surgery.

TAVI is performed through a catheter inserted in a blood vessel (usually through the groin or chest). The new valve is delivered to the aortic position and deployed to restore normal blood flow. This procedure offers significant symptomatic relief and improves heart function.

The purpose of TAVI is to treat severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows and prevents blood from flowing from the heart to the body. Untreated heart failure, exhaustion, chest pain, or even abrupt cardiac death may result. Particularly for older patients or those with a high surgical risk, TAVI provides a less invasive option to open heart surgery. TAVI restores normal blood flow, strengthens the heart, and improves quality of life by replacing the constricted valve.

Consult a cardiologist if you experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, light-headedness, fainting spells, or reduced ability to exercise—all common symptoms of aortic stenosis. Elderly individuals or those with known valve disease should undergo regular echocardiograms to monitor valve function. Early referral is crucial once severe narrowing is diagnosed, especially in symptomatic cases.

Pre-procedure preparation involves echocardiography, CT angiography, ECG, and blood tests to evaluate heart anatomy, valve severity, and vascular access. A multidisciplinary “heart team” assesses patient suitability. Medications may need adjustment, and patients are generally advised to fast for 6–8 hours before the surgery. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications are reviewed, and preoperative counselling is provided to explain risks and expectations.

TAVI is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia:

Access Route: The most popular method is transfemoral, which entails putting a catheter into the groin's femoral artery. Depending on anatomy, additional access points can be transapical (through the chest wall) or transaortic (via a little incision in the upper chest).
Valve Replacement: A bioprosthetic valve is mounted on a balloon or self-expanding stent and delivered via catheter to the diseased aortic valve. Once positioned, it is expanded to push aside the native valve and take over its function.

TAVI typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients are monitored in a cardiac ICU for 24–48 hours, and the average hospital stay is 2 to 5 days, depending on recovery and underlying health.

Significant improvement in symptoms and daily functioning
Lower procedural risk compared to open-heart surgery
Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
Increased survival in high-risk and elderly patients
Minimally invasive—no need for open chest incision

Recovery is generally fast, especially with transfemoral access. Patients may walk within a day and resume light activity in a few days. Regular follow-up visits and echocardiograms are needed to monitor valve function. Lifestyle changes, cardiac rehabilitation, and medication adjustments are often recommended to optimise heart health.

TAVI has a success rate of 95–98% in appropriately selected patients. It significantly reduces mortality and rehospitalisation rates in severe aortic stenosis. Most patients report a dramatic improvement in symptoms and return to independent living, especially when performed early in the course of the disease.