TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is now the most frequently used treatment for patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. It is a minimally invasive procedure of placing an artificial valve into your heart using keyhole surgery. Unlike open heart surgery you don’t have a large incision in your chest, the heart doesn’t have to be stopped and — in many cases — a general anaesthetic isn’t required.
This makes TAVI suitable for those who are too frail to go through standard valve replacement surgery.
A patient and Adrian Banning explain what to expect when you go into hospital for a TAVI (TransAortic Valve Implant)
Download the TAVI Patient Information Leaflet here.
How is the valve inserted?
The valve is inserted into your heart through a thin tube (the catheter) that is fed into your body through a small cut in your groin or chest. The cardiologist carrying out the procedure uses ultrasound and X-ray to see inside your heart so he can position the valve in the right place.
The valve is inserted within a metal cage (stent) that expands the surrounding artery and holds the valve in place. The stent remains in the body after the procedure and continues to support the valve.
The Edwards Valve
How does the valve work?
How the Edwards Valve is inserted
Implantation of the Edwards valve may require a general anaesthetic but may be done under local anaethesia. Before being placed in the body the valve is compressed onto a non-inflated balloon. The cardiologist pushes the narrow, compressed valve through the catheter until it is in the correct position in the heart, using ultrasound and X-ray to ensure precise positioning.
The circulation is transiently stopped and the inner balloon is inflated, expanding the metal scaffold of the stent to fit the diameter of the aorta. The cardiologist then deflates and removes the balloon and the catheter from the body. The stent remains expanded and holds the valve in place.
