Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Sometimes called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

This is a procedure where the aortic valve is replaced by a new valve introduced most commonly under local anaesthesia from a groin artery avoiding major surgery and opening of the chest. This technique has a lower mortality and stroke rate, is much less invasive and has a much faster recovery time than conventional aortic valve surgery. It may not be appropriate for young patients. Click here for more information.

Narrowing of the aortic valve is called aortic stenosis and is most commonly caused by a build up of calcium in the leaflets so they do not open properly. If a patient is symptomatic and has severe aortic valve stenosis there is a more than 50% chance of death within 2 years if the valve is not replaced.

TAVI is carried out at the Intra Epsom site in the Mercy Hospital on Mountain Road.

For further information please check the Intra website or click here to download the TAVI Patients Guide