TAVI / TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation / Replacement)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), is a minimally invasive heart procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly, a condition known as aortic stenosis.

Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVI/TAVR is performed through small incisions using a catheter, making it suitable for patients at high surgical risk or those not eligible for conventional surgery.

Why is TAVI / TAVR Needed?

Severe aortic stenosis restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This can cause:

Chest pain (angina)

Shortness of breath

Fatigue or fainting spells

Heart failure

Increased risk of sudden cardiac death

How is TAVI / TAVR Performed?

The procedure is carried out by a heart team (cardiologists and cardiac surgeons) and involves:

Catheter insertionUsually through the femoral artery in the groin.

Valve positioningA replacement valve is guided to the heart using the catheter.

Valve deploymentThe new valve is expanded (via balloon or self-expansion) inside the diseased valve.

Restoration of blood flowThe new valve starts functioning immediately.

Benefits of TAVI / TAVR

Minimally invasive, no need for open-heart surgery

Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery

Significant symptom relief (breathing, chest pain, fatigue)

Improved quality of life and survival rates

Option for elderly and high-risk patients

Risks and Complications

While TAVI/TAVR is safe, possible risks include:

Vascular complications (bleeding, artery injury)

Stroke

Heart rhythm problems (sometimes requiring a pacemaker)

Valve leakage (paravalvular regurgitation)

Rare risk of death

Recovery After TAVI / TAVR

Recovery is usually much faster compared to open surgery:

Hospital stay of 3-5 days on average

Return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks

Medications such as blood thinners prescribed for some time

Regular follow-ups and echocardiograms to monitor valve function

Heart-healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise

Conclusion

TAVI / TAVR is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic stenosis. It offers a safe and effective alternative to open-heart surgery, especially for elderly patients or those at high surgical risk. At CureU Healthcare, we provide world-class expertise in structural heart interventions, ensuring better outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.