This procedure works well for aortic stenosis and there are no serious concerns about its safety.
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed. This reduces the flow of blood out of the heart. Catheter insertion of a new aortic valve (called ‘transcatheter aortic valve implantation’ or TAVI for short) may be an alternative to surgical valve replacement by open heart surgery. The aim is to insert the new valve through a catheter (thin tube), usually by way of a large blood vessel at the top of the leg, into the heart and inside the existing faulty valve.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.
Is this procedure right for me?
If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Some questions to think about
- What does the procedure involve?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2585-8
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