Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis

A TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), is a valve which is fitted in the heart to treat a condition called aortic stenosis. Made from the natural tissue of a cow or pig's heart, the new valve is fitted on top of the old, damaged valve. Your doctor will talk to you about the best type of valve for you.

A TAVI takes one to two hours, and is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic (you are awake but you do not feel pain), although it can also be carried out under a general anaesthetic, depending on what's best for you. Again, your doctor will talk this through with you. 

Most people come into hospital the day before their operation, or on the day of their TAVI, and stay for between two to five days.

How a TAVI is done

Doctors will make a small cut (incision) in your groin, or the top of your shoulder, although other routes are sometimes used.

Small tubes, called catheters, are then inserted into the artery and vein at the site of the incision. These tubes help doctors see where to put the new valve and give them access to the heart. The tubes also provide a safe way for the doctors to administer drugs during the procedure or allow a temporary pacemaker to be fitted, if needed. Your new valve is put into a catheter before the doctor guides it the it through the artery to your damaged aortic valve (Fig. 2). From there, the new valve (Fig. 3) is stitched to a stent (a small metal mesh tube), to hold it in place. 

Your doctor will check that the new valve is working well before removing the catheter and closing the cut in your groin, chest or shoulder. 

The new valve and stent will stay in place for the rest of your life.  

Find out more about how to look after yourself before and after the TAVI procedure.