What is transcatheter valve implantation?
Transcatheter valve implantation or TAVI, also known as transcatheter valve replacement or TAVR, refers to a common procedure that replaces a faulty aortic valve with a new valve made from natural animal tissue. The aortic valve is responsible for controlling the blood flow from your heart to your body. If the valve stiffens or narrows and stops working efficiently, it can put pressure on the heart to pump even harder, potentially increasing the risk of heart failure. This condition is known as aortic stenosis. TAVI surgery can help regulate the blood flow, relieve pressure on the heart and reduce uncomfortable heart-related symptoms such as breathlessness and chest pain. It is usually performed as a minimally invasive procedure.
What does it do?
TAVI is an effective medical procedure to repair a diseased aortic valve. When the aortic valve no longer opens fully or functions effectively, this condition is known as aortic stenosis. In a healthy heart, the aortic valve must open and close fully with each heartbeat to ensure enough blood reaches the aorta. If this mechanism does not work effectively, the aorta cannot receive enough oxygen-rich blood from the heart to send around your body. If the blood is forced to travel through a smaller area, the heart can become overworked and put patients at risk of heart failure. Transcatheter valve implantation improves the damaged valve mechanism by replacing it with a new one. This reduces the risk of severe complications that are associated with aortic stenosis.
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