TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
About TAVI
TAVI stands for “trans catheter aortic valve Implantation”. This is a procedure that enables a cardiologist to replace the aortic valve (one of the four valves in the heart) via a flexible plastic tube (or catheter) placed in the top of the leg or through the chest.
Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve) is the commonest valve problem to affect adults. The only effective treatment for this condition, which can cause significant symptoms and limit lifespan, is to replace the aortic valve.
Traditionally, this has been treated with a surgical procedure where the valve is replaced with either a metal or tissue aortic valve prosthesis. TAVI is a less invasive alternative to this approach in patients who are either unsuitable or high risk for major cardiac surgery. Increasingly this also includes patients who have had a cardiac surgical procedures (including bypass surgery) in the past.
Wessex cardiology have been offering this procedure since 2009, and have developed a highly experienced team at patient assessment, support and valve implantation.
Any of the TAVI team (Dr Alison Calver, Professor Nicholas Curzen or Dr John Rawlins) would be happy to see you, talk through the procedure and take you through the assessment process. For private appointments please contact us here.
Further information can be found by looking at the BHF website by clicking here or on the University Hospital Southampton TAVI information sheet, which is downloadable below.
| tavi_work_up_2017-1.pdf |