Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, impairing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
During a TAVI procedure, a catheter with a collapsible replacement valve is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or chest. The catheter is guided to the site of the diseased aortic valve using advanced imaging techniques such as X-ray or echocardiography. Once in position, the replacement valve is expanded, pushing aside the diseased valve leaflets and assuming the function of a normal valve.
TAVI is an alternative to open-heart surgery for patients who are at high risk or deemed unsuitable for surgery. It can be performed under local anesthesia, and the recovery time is typically shorter compared to traditional open-heart surgery. TAVI is particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities.
