Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Aortic stenosis is a condition whereby the aortic valve narrows. This valve is positioned between the main pumping chamber of your heart (the left ventricle) and the main blood supply to your body (the aorta). If the valve becomes narrow, the blood supply to the body can be reduced and you may get symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, light-headedness, or fainting.
There are two main options for treatment - surgical aortic valve replacement (open heart surgery) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The first option involves a cut into the middle of the chest, and the old valve is removed and a new one (either biological or mechanical) is placed. With a TAVI, the procedure is done using a catheter (a small tube) passed from the groin up into the heart. The decision regarding the best option for you depends on several factors, and should be made together with your cardiologist.