TAVI is used to treat aortic stenosis, which can be responsible for reduced heart function. The valve in the heart’s aorta sometimes cannot function properly. This can cause difficulty in doing day to day activities and cause chest pains, dizziness, shortness of breath etc.

TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. This is also called as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or TAVR. It’s an minimally invasive procedure done under local Anesthesia and rarely under mild sedation.

The procedure follows the steps mentioned below:

• • An incision is made either in your groin area or the chest area (usually between your ribs).
  • A catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted and advanced to your heart’s aortic valve opening.
  • Then the balloon is carefully inflated to make space for the new tissue valve.
  • The new valve is put in position and expands by itself or is expanded using the balloon.
  • The balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.

A TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by small incision in the groin and accessing the artery for the procedure. It usually takes upto 1-2 hours for the whole surgery. If is performed by an interventional cardiologist.

Yes, it is highly likely that you miss the symptoms that indicate that you might have AS or Aortic Stenosis. They usually surface after a considerable amont of blood flow is disrupted. Some of the common symptoms can be:

• Chest pain
• Rapid or fluttering heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting or dizziness
• Difficulty in walking or exercise
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Difficulty in lying down when sleeping

It is always recommended that you proactively check with a doctor (cardiologist) about reduced heart function.

As established, TAVI is a medical procedure used to treat aortic stenosis. A TAVI may be suggested instead of an open heart surgery. Your cardiologist should discuss the procedure and its outcomes in detail. It can help reduce your symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting and also reduce the risk of heart failure and death.

This process puts less strain and is more suitable for people who are too frail to have a conventional valve replacement. Research suggests the procedure may be as effective as surgery for people in whom surgery would be difficult or risky, and it may result in a faster recovery. Recovery time less than 2 days, but can vary as everyone can react differently based on their condition.