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 insertion Usually through the femoral artery in the groin.
Valve positioning A replacement valve is guided to the heart using the catheter.
Valve deployment The new valve is expanded (via balloon or self-expansion) inside the diseased valve.
Restoration of blood flow The 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.