WHAT IS THE TAVI THERAPY?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
TAVI is less invasive than open heart surgery.
Your doctor will make a small incision on your body. After, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery to guide the artificial heart valve up to your heart to replace the diseased valve.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TAVI PROCEDURE?
The entire procedure typically takes approximately 1-2 hours. Your heart team will determine whether you should have a mild sedative or general anesthesia.
TAVI does not require open-heart surgery. Instead, with TAVI, the heart is accessed via an artery.
At the start of the procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in the groin (1); the neck (2); or a space between your ribs (3) and guide a thin, flexible tube with the heart valve into your artery and to your diseased valve.
Throughout your procedure, your doctor will be viewing images of your heart.
Another entry point could be determined by your doctor. Each route has risks. Discuss them with your doctor.
The TAVI heart valve will be placed in your diseased valve. Your new valve will work immediately.
For some patients, the TAVI procedure risks may outweigh the benefits.
Please speak to your doctor regarding your health and the treatment
options that are possible for you.
TAVI BENEFITS
You should start feeling better right away. This is because your heart valve is now working properly. Some patients may take longer to feel better.
Most patients feel less pain and less anxious. They can take care of themselves better and go back to everyday activities.
TAVI RISKS
Most medical procedures have risks. The TAVI procedure’s most serious risks are:
- Need for permanent pacemaker
- Serious bleeding — a bleeding event that requires a blood transfusion
- Serious damage to the arteries
- Stroke
- Death
The chance of an adverse event from the TAVI procedure depends on many factors, including your underlying medical conditions.
DISCLAIMER
The content of this document is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.
Nothing herein should be construed as a promotion or solicitation for an indication for any product which is not authorized by the laws and regulations of your country of residence. Responses to a treatment may vary from patient to patient.
Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health.