The decision as to whether a patient is suitable for a TAVI procedure is made by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) within specialist cardiac centres
The MDT usually includes specialist interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other relevant clinicians. They will assess the best way forward for the patient. They’ll consider the patient’s suitability for open heart valve surgery, TAVI or ongoing assessment and medical therapy.
Their decision is based on the outcome of medical investigations and the assessment of risk to the individual.
The decision to go the TAVI route is made when this option is safer than open heart valve surgery. This is likely to be because of the patient’s other medical conditions.
It’s worth noting that even if you are treated privately, you cannot choose to have a TAVI procedure. The best course of treatment for you will still be decided by a team of professionals and they will base their evaluation on the assessment of risk and the best medical outcome.
