Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a new and innovative approach to the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening). Instead of standard open heart surgery, a balloon catheter is placed in the femoral artery (in the groin) and guided into the heart. A compressed heart valve is then placed in the catheter and positioned directed inside the diseased aortic valve. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to secure the valve in place. Also known as transcatheter a