TAVI stands for the term transcatheter aortic valve implantation which is a minimally invasive procedure where a new heart valve is grafted into the heart without removing the old, damaged valve. TAVI is generally considered in patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, and are more vulnerable to developing complications during more invasive surgery.
As said above normally TAVI is done on people suffering from other co-morbidities such as poor cardiac function, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease as well as those who are too old for a complicated surgery, but due to the proven benefits of TAVI over open-heart surgery for valve replacement it is now vastly used in low-risk or patients with no other complications and this is termed as low-risk TAVI.
Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the lumen of the aortic valve of the heart resulting in inadequate blood flow to the brain and other organs in the body. If the stenosed valve is not corrected lack of blood supply will cause ischemic damage to organs, fainting attacks, and damage to the heart itself therefore it is important to replace the valve.
Some causes of aortic stenosis are birth defects, rheumatic heart disease, age-related calcification of the aortic valve, and radiation therapy.
Usually, the damaged valves are replaced by a surgery called surgical aortic valve replacement or SAVR where an incision is made and the chest is opened up to reach the heart under general anesthesia. Then a prosthetic or a biological tissue valve is placed after removing the old, damaged valve.
But in TAVI which is an alternative to such complicated surgery a catheter is inserted into a large artery in the groin called the femoral artery or into a large artery in the chest or directly to the apex of the heart under local anesthesia or sedation. Through this catheter, the new valve is introduced into the heart and gets expanded and adhered onto the existing valve. It then pushes the old valve leaflets out of the way and takes over the job. With time the old valve regresses away.
Here is an overview of TAVI procedure risks to discuss with your cardiologist.
While TAVI in cardiology carries certain risks, they are well identified and can be effectively managed with the appropriate expertise and care. Complications occur much less frequently in TAVI than in surgical aortic valve replacement, which is more invasive and associated with higher morbidity.
The key TAVI complications you should be aware of are:
Each of these is closely monitored during and after the procedure. Clear protocols are in place for managing them if they arise.
It is also reassuring to note that the risk profile of TAVI has improved significantly over time. Advances in valve design, imaging, and operator expertise have all contributed to better outcomes. For more information on life after the procedure, visit Heart Valve Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
If you would like a clear, personalised assessment of your options, our team is here. Book a consultation with Heart Valve Experts, Mumbai.
Following TAVI doctors will recommend a medication like aspirin and clopidogrel which are blood thinners. These will reduce the risk of developing blood clots due to the new valve. Also, it is important to talk with your doctor and decide on a suitable cardiac rehabilitation program that will allow the return of normal physical activity. You may also be given antibiotics prophylactically before minor surgical procedures in the future.
And as always, a healthy balanced diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices will go a long way to ensure your valuable health.
The key benefits are faster recovery, a shorter procedure, and outcomes comparable to open-heart surgery. The main risks include pacemaker requirement, a small stroke risk, and paravalvular leak. Your cardiologist will assess your suitability individually.
The most common TAVI complications are pacemaker requirement, paravalvular leak, stroke risk, and minor vascular complications at the access site.
TAVI carries lower risks of atrial fibrillation, major bleeding, and acute kidney injury. Open-heart surgery carries a lower risk of pacemaker requirement. The right choice depends on your individual anatomy and clinical situation.
About The Author
With over 15 years of expertise, Dr. Phatarpekar is recognised as a renowned interventional cardiologist in Mumbai, specialising in complex coronary interventions, structural heart procedures, and pioneering work in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).
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