TAVI: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Imagine being faced with two difficult choices: let your malfunctioning heart continue to deteriorate or face high-risk surgery. That has long been the reality for thousands of Canadians with valve disorders whose surgery would be high risk or need longer recovery recovery times. But advances in valve replacement technology and novel thinking by Sunnybrook health-care experts have been providing patients with new ways to get their lives back, and sooner, since 2009.

Your heart has four valves that act like one-way doors: they let blood flow in and out of different sections of your heart. The aortic valve takes blood from the left side of your heart and sends it out to your body. When this valve becomes narrowed (called aortic stenosis), less blood can be pushed out. Blood can be pushed backwards into your lungs when the valve opening becomes too small and thick. When aortic stenosis is severe, you need a new valve.

TAVI, also known as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), is a procedure that gives you a new valve without open heart surgery.

How it works

In the minimally-invasive procedure, a TAVI valve is guided by a catheter through an artery in the upper leg and into the aortic valve in your heart. Once in position, the valve is opened and your old aortic valve is pushed to the side. The tube is removed and pressure is applied to the puncture site. The valve works immediately.

How we’re making a difference

World First: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair ring offers option for inoperable patients

For many with valve disorders, the options are let your malfunctioning heart continue to deteriorate or face high-risk surgery. That's changing. Read more »

Patient and family education

Visit our online centre for resources and information about heart and vascular disease, including tips on healthy living, treatments and procedures, and videos. 

• I’m on the waitlist for TAVI. Now what?
• My TAVI: Including Before and After TAVI Care
• Navigating MyCare: TAVI Care Journey

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