It is a technique to implant the aortic valve in the heart through the upper thigh without opening the chest.
Heart has 4 valves, which act as one way doors. In patients with severe Aortic Stenosis (AS), one of the valves (Aortic) becomes small and constricted. Therefore, it needs to be replaced.
This replacement can be done by the cardiothoracic surgeon by cutting the chest open, stopping the heart and implantation of an aortic valve
or
a cardiologist like me, can implant the aortic valve in the heart through the upper thigh without opening the chest. This patient is a perfect example of how TAVI helps in early recovery even in very sick patients.
