TAVI, also known as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly — a condition called severe aortic stenosis. Instead of open-heart surgery, TAVI involves placing a new valve inside the diseased one using a catheter, usually through the groin (femoral artery). This makes the procedure safer for elderly and high-risk patients while offering faster recovery and excellent long-term outcomes.
TAVI restores blood flow by replacing the diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve between the heart and the aorta becomes stiff and calcified, restricting blood flow. Over time, this leads to breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death if untreated.
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting or dizziness
- Fatigue and reduced exercise capacity
- Heart failure if untreated
- Risk of sudden cardiac death
Who Is a Candidate for TAVI?
TAVI is considered in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis when open-heart surgery carries high or intermediate risk.
TAVI is suitable for elderly, frail patients or those with comorbidities such as kidney disease, lung disease, prior heart surgery, chest radiation, or fragile chest wall.
Global trials including PARTNER, CoreValve, Evolut, and SAPIEN studies show survival equal to or better than surgery in high-risk elderly patients with faster recovery.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with femoral artery access. A self-expanding or balloon- expandable valve is delivered by catheter and deployed inside the diseased valve.
TAVI avoids open-heart surgery, reduces hospital stay, lowers complication risk, improves symptoms, and allows faster return to daily activities.
TAVI is now available in multiple tertiary centres across India and is ideal for elderly patients with calcified or degenerative valve disease, diabetes, CKD, and frailty.
Expert TAVI / TAVR Program
TAVI offers a safe, evidence-based, and life-saving option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, providing excellent symptom relief, faster recovery, and outcomes comparable to global standards.
