Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure in which the faulty aortic valve is replaced with a prosthetic valve using a small tube that travels from an artery in the leg or chest to the heart. TAVI is less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery and often reserved for individuals at increased risk of complications from aortic valve surgery.
Risks of the TAVI Procedure
Risks can include:
- Bleeding or vascular injury
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) – sometimes requiring pacemaker
- Obstructed coronary artery
- Aortic regurgitation
- Kidney impairment
- Stroke
- Death
Your surgeon will explain the risks to you in detail before you agree to the surgery - and you’re also encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with your medical team. You will be asked to sign a consent form to agree to the procedure.