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 at University Hospital Southampton since 2009, and have developed a highly experienced team at patient assessment, support and valve implantation. We hope to offer this procedure at Southampton Spire within the next year.
Either of our two TAVI consultants at Wessex Cardiology Dr John Rawlins (lead for TAVI service) or Dr Simon Corbett would be happy to see you, talk through the procedure and take you through the assessment process. Please note the fee for a TAVI clinic appointment is higher because it includes the time needed by the consultant to review all the relevant data prior to your visit, which is far more complex than for all other consults. 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.
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