TAVI Surgery

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR / TAVI)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), also known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic stenosis).

What Is TAVR?

TAVR is an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, especially for patients who are high-risk or ineligible for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

A catheter is inserted through the leg or chest.
A new valve is guided through the catheter and positioned inside the diseased aortic valve.
Once in place, the new valve starts functioning immediately by pushing aside the old valve leaflets.

Indications for TAVR

Severe aortic stenosis
Patients at intermediate or high surgical risk
Elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities
Patients with previous cardiac surgeries where open-heart surgery poses higher risk

Benefits of TAVR

Minimally invasive
Shorter recovery time
Reduced risk of:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Stroke
Quicker return to normal activities
Often no need for a heart-lung machine

How Is TAVR Performed?

Anesthesia and Access
- General or local anesthesia
- Access via femoral artery (most common) or chest
Valve Delivery
- A catheter carrying the new valve is guided to the heart
- X-ray and echocardiogram guide positioning
Deployment
- The new valve is expanded (via balloon or self-expansion)
- It pushes the damaged valve aside
Function Check and Closure
- Valve function is checked
- Catheter is removed and site closed

Recovery After TAVR

Hospital stay: 1–3 days
Monitoring for bleeding, stroke, arrhythmias
Gradual return to physical activity
Antiplatelet medications as prescribed

Risks and Complications

Vascular complications
Valve leakage (paravalvular leak)
Stroke
Need for a pacemaker
Bleeding or infection at catheter site

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is TAVR a major surgery?
A: No. It is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.

Q: How long do TAVR valves last?
A: Typically, 10–15 years, depending on the valve type and patient health.

Q: Who is not eligible for TAVR?
A: Patients with:

Active infections
Poor vascular access
Incompatible valve anatomy
Low surgical risk (may still be recommended for traditional surgery)

Q: Can you walk after TAVR?
A: Yes, most patients start walking the next day and feel better gradually oai_citation:0‡Aortic Valve.docx.