What is tavi?

TAVI, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, is a procedure performed when a patient has very advanced stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a common heart disease in which the left ventricle cannot expel blood normally, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or loss of consciousness.

Aortic Valve Implantation

Aortic valve implantation is a procedure performed when the heart’s aortic valve stops functioning properly, either due to stenosis or insufficiency.

Traditionally, this type of surgery requires open-heart intervention, which implies greater risks and a longer recovery time, especially in older people or those with other chronic diseases. But in recent decades, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVI, has emerged.

The TAVI procedure consists of introducing a new heart valve through a catheter, which usually passes through the femoral artery until it reaches the heart, where it is positioned inside the damaged aortic valve.

This technique allows for valve replacement without the need to open the chest, which results in a lower surgical risk and a faster recovery. The TAVI procedure is usually indicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not ideal candidates for conventional surgery.

Valvular Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis is a condition in which the heart’s aortic valve narrows, making it difficult for blood to pass from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body. This obstruction creates an additional effort for the heart, which over time can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

This disease usually progresses with age, so it is more common in older adults, and when the stenosis is severe, it becomes a potentially fatal condition if not treated properly.

Very elderly patients or those with diseases that increase the risk of surgery can opt for TAVI. This technique offers a safe and less invasive option. Thanks to this procedure, people who were previously not candidates for surgery can now improve their heart function and regain their quality of life with a more accessible procedure and a faster recovery.

TAVI Complications

Like any other medical procedure, TAVI is not exempt from possible complications. Among the most frequent are bleeding at the catheter insertion site, arrhythmias, the need to place a permanent pacemaker, and, in rare cases, damage to the new valve or stroke.

But all these risks are carefully evaluated before the procedure by a specialized medical team, who are in charge of determining if TAVI is the best option for the patient.

Despite these possible complications, the benefits of TAVI have been shown to greatly outweigh the risks, especially in those patients with severe aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk.

Most patients experience a notable improvement in their symptoms, which translates into a better ability to perform daily activities and, of course, a better quality of life.

At the Cardiovascular Center at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!

Fuentes:

• Heart.org
• Mayo Clinic
• Cigna