A TAVI is a procedure to treat a severely narrowed aortic valve.
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If you are a higher risk patient, you may be suitable for a TAVI.
Extensive investigation and assessment will be performed by your Cardiologist before you are deemed suitable for this procedure. Please note - whilst we have clinicians with a specialist interest who can support this procedure, we do currently offer this service at onewelbeck.
Investigations you will need include ECG, Echocardiography, Blood Tests, Lung Function. You will be given a CT scan of the whole aorta to prepare for a TAVI procedure.
A TAVI (TAVR if you are from the USA) is used to treat a severely narrowed aortic valve (Aortic Stenosis). It is suitable for patients in need of an aortic valve replacement but is not well enough to have open heart valve surgery due to age or being a higher risk patient. Open heart surgery is still the standard form of treatment for this type of heart problem.
Aortic Stenosis can be associated with chest pain, breathlessness or even blackouts. Once symptomatic, treatment is proven to reduce the risk of death.
There are several approaches your Cardiologist can take when performing your TAVI:
Whichever approach your Cardiologist takes, you will be in a special theatre (catheterisation laboratory). An anaesthetist will be present along with a large team in case of emergencies.
A catheter will be positioned with the opening of the aortic valve and a new tissue valve which will be placed into position. The new valve will either expand by itself, or is expanded by a balloon depending on which type of valve is used.
The balloon, if used, is deflated and removed along with the catheter, and the new valve sits inside your damaged valve. The position and function are checked on X-ray and echocardiography.
Normally you are awake for the procedure. You may spend the 1st day on the intensive care unit as a precaution.
You will go home a few days later. You need to take it easy for the 1st week, and are not allowed to drive (it is the Law in the UK) for 1 month.
See Dr Malik doing a TAVI in 2015 in this 17-min video (made for doctors to view); he has been doing them a long time!
TAVI is a safe procedure. However, as only patients at a higher risk get this treatment there are a number of possible complications including:
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Introduction
A TAVI is used to treat a severely narrowed aort...
Treatment
TAVI medical procedure
Risks
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Our Heart Health specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their field. They are equipped with the latest diagnostic medical technology at custom-built, day-case facilities to investigate any symptoms and ensure you receive the best available care.