TAVI
Pronunciation: TAH-vee
Also written as: TAVI — Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
A minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve without open-heart surgery, typically performed in high-risk patients.
Full Definition
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is a procedure where a new aortic valve is inserted through a catheter, usually via the femoral artery. This technique was initially developed for patients deemed too high-risk for traditional surgical aortic valve replacement. The procedure involves deploying a bioprosthetic valve within the diseased native aortic valve. TAVI has revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis and is now being used in intermediate and even low-risk patient populations based on evolving clinical evidence.
Usage
Usage note: TAVI and TAVR are used interchangeably; preference varies by institution and region.
In Context
- "The patient was evaluated by the heart team for TAVI candidacy given her prohibitive surgical risk." — Multidisciplinary team note
- "Post-TAVI echocardiography demonstrated excellent valve function with minimal paravalvular regurgitation." — Procedural report