CardioSight Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation for patients with aortic valve disease, including detailed assessment for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). If you or a family member has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and are seeking expert guidance in Delhi, Dr. Abhinav Aggarwal offers thorough cardiac evaluation, imaging-based planning and referral to established TAVI centres for the procedure.
TAVI has transformed the treatment of aortic valve disease, making aortic valve replacement possible for patients who were previously considered too high risk for conventional open-heart surgery.
What Is TAVI?
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), also known as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), is a catheter-based procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. A new valve, compressed within a catheter, is delivered to the heart through a blood vessel in the leg (femoral artery) and deployed at the site of the narrowed valve.
The procedure is performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve becomes stiff and narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Symptoms typically include breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness and fainting episodes.
Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), TAVI does not require opening the chest or stopping the heart. The heart continues to beat throughout the procedure, and recovery is significantly faster.
Who Is Suitable for TAVI?
TAVI is recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis who fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Elderly patients (typically 75 years and above) who may not tolerate conventional open-heart surgery
- High surgical risk due to other medical conditions such as lung disease, kidney disease, previous cardiac surgery or frailty
- Patients declined for open surgery by a cardiac surgical team on account of prohibitive operative risk
- Selected intermediate-risk patients where TAVI may offer comparable or better outcomes than surgery
The decision is always made by a multidisciplinary heart team, which includes interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists and anaesthetists.
TAVI vs Surgical Valve Replacement
The table below summarises the key differences between TAVI and conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR):
| TAVI | Surgical Valve Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Catheter-based, through the leg artery | Open-heart surgery, sternotomy |
| Anaesthesia | Local or light sedation (in many cases) | General anaesthesia |
| Heart-lung bypass | Not required | Required |
| Procedure time | Approximately 1 hour | 3-4 hours |
| Hospital stay | 3-5 days | 7-10 days or more |
| Recovery | Days to weeks | Weeks to months |
| Best suited for | Elderly, high/intermediate surgical risk | Younger patients, low surgical risk |
The Evaluation Process at CardioSight Clinic
A structured evaluation is essential before a patient can be considered for TAVI. At CardioSight Clinic, the assessment follows a systematic pathway:
1. Clinical assessment
Detailed history and examination to evaluate the severity of symptoms, functional limitation and overall fitness. A comprehensive review of existing reports, medications and comorbidities.
2. Echocardiography
Transthoracic echocardiography (2D Echo) to assess the aortic valve area, pressure gradient, left ventricular function and associated valvular abnormalities. This is the cornerstone of aortic stenosis diagnosis.
3. CT planning
A gated CT scan of the aorta and peripheral vessels is arranged to determine valve sizing, vascular access suitability and anatomical planning for the TAVI procedure.
4. Heart team & referral
The case is discussed with a multidisciplinary heart team. If TAVI is the appropriate treatment, the patient is referred to an established TAVI centre for the procedure, with complete imaging and clinical documentation.
Recovery and Follow-Up After TAVI
Recovery after TAVI is considerably shorter than after conventional open-heart surgery. Most patients are mobilised within 24 hours and discharged from hospital within three to five days.
After the procedure, follow-up care includes:
- Regular echocardiography to monitor valve function and heart performance
- Medication management, including antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy as prescribed
- Monitoring for conduction disturbances (some patients may require a pacemaker after TAVI)
- Gradual return to daily activities, with improvement often noticeable within the first few weeks
- Long-term follow-up appointments with the cardiologist
Dr. Abhinav Aggarwal provides ongoing follow-up care after TAVI, including serial echocardiography, medication review and coordination with the TAVI centre.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TAVI suitable for all
patients with aortic stenosis?
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No. TAVI is recommended primarily for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high or intermediate surgical risk. Younger patients with low surgical risk are usually better served by conventional surgical valve replacement. The decision is made by a multidisciplinary heart team after thorough assessment.
How long does a TAVI valve
last?
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Current evidence shows that TAVI valves function well for at least 5-10 years and beyond. Long-term durability data continues to grow as the technology matures. Regular echocardiographic follow-up is important to monitor valve function over time.
Is TAVI performed at
CardioSight Clinic?
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TAVI is a highly specialised procedure performed at dedicated TAVI centres equipped with hybrid catheterisation laboratories. At CardioSight Clinic, Dr. Abhinav Aggarwal provides the complete pre-procedural evaluation, including echocardiography, CT planning and heart team discussion, and then refers suitable patients to established TAVI centres in Delhi for the procedure. Post-procedural follow-up is managed at CardioSight Clinic.
What is the recovery time
after TAVI?
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Most patients are mobilised within 24 hours of the procedure and discharged from hospital within three to five days. Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms such as breathlessness within the first few weeks. Full recovery is generally much faster than after conventional open-heart surgery.
Book an Aortic Valve Assessment
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis or advised aortic valve replacement, a specialist cardiology consultation can help you understand the condition, review your reports and discuss whether TAVI may be appropriate.
About Dr. Abhinav Aggarwal
Dr Abhinav Aggarwal is an Interventional Cardiologist with experience in the evaluation and management of valvular heart disease, structural heart interventions and comprehensive cardiac care.
If you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis or advised valve replacement, a specialist consultation can help you understand your reports and decide the most appropriate next step.
Book an Appointment arrow_forwardThis page is intended for general patient education and does not replace a professional medical consultation. TAVI suitability depends on individual clinical assessment. Please discuss your specific condition, reports and treatment options with your cardiologist.