Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

A transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a procedure to treat certain types of heart valve disease, most commonly aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve).

What is a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)?

• TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged aortic valve in the heart. 
• Instead of removing the old valve, a new artificial valve is inserted inside it, effectively pushing the old valve aside and taking over its function. 
• The replacement valve is usually made from animal tissue (cow or pig) mounted on a metal frame.

Why might I need a TAVI procedure?

TAVI is used when the aortic valve is:

• Narrowed (aortic stenosis) – restricting blood flow out of the heart
• Sometimes leaky (aortic regurgitation).

If untreated, these conditions can cause:

• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Fainting or dizziness
• Heart failure and reduced life expectancy.

It is often offered to people who are suitable for a less invasive option recommended by a specialist heart team.

Benefits of a TAVI procedure

• Less invasive than open‑heart surgery 
• Shorter recovery time and hospital stay
• Can improve symptoms and quality of life, such as reducing breathlessness and chest pain.

What happens during TAVI procedure? 

A TAVI procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and it's often performed under local anaesthetic with sedation (you'll be awake but comfortable). The heart keeps beating throughout so no heart‑lung bypass machine is needed.

Here are the typical steps taken:

1. A small cut is made, usually in the groin (femoral artery). 
2. The catheter is passed through the blood vessels up to the heart and into the aortic valve. 
3. The new valve is delivered through the catheter and positioned inside the old valve. 
4. The valve is expanded (either by a balloon or self‑expanding), pushing the old valve aside.
5. The catheter is removed and the small access wound is closed.

Recovery from a TAVI procedure

Short-term recovery

Your hospital stay is typically 1 to 3 days. You should arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 1–2 days after discharge.

You can expect tiredness and reduced appetite for a few days, as well as some mild discomfort or bruising at the groin wound site.

Long-term recovery

Full recovery can take several weeks to 2 to 3 months, but is usually quicker than open-heart surgery.

You should aim to increase your activity gradually, and avoid heavy lifting over the first 6 weeks. Cardiac rehabilitation can be very useful if you need extra support.