TAVI

TAVI, also known as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement), is a new technology to treat severe aortic stenosis, a less invasive procedure, designed to replace a diseased aortic valve. Until now, the only treatment for patients with aortic stenosis was surgically replacing the aortic valve by undergoing an open-heart surgery. However, there are about 40% of patients who are refused a surgery due to their co-morbid conditions. The surgical procedures are invasive, takes longer to perform and the recovery from surgery can take up to three to eight weeks.
TAVI/TAVR is a good alternative for these high-risk groups of patients. In this method, via a small cut in the groin a thin, flexible tube with the heart valve is inserted into your artery and up to your diseased valve. Throughout the procedure, the doctor views images of the heart and the valve is replaced, and the new valve works immediately. The tube is then removed, and the incision is closed. The entire procedure takes approximately one to two hours.

TAVI provides the following advantages over open cardiac surgery

• Less invasive and a shorter procedure- The entire procedure takes approximately one to two hours
• Reduces patient time in intensive care- The patient is discharged within two to four days
• Offers shortened recovery time
• Offers a more rapid improvement in quality of life