Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an advanced treatment for aortic stenosis that minimizes physical strain on the body.

What is aortic valve stenosis?

Aortic valve stenosis is a type of heart valve disease where the aortic valve does not open properly, obstructing blood flow. In mild cases, there are often no subjective symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue may appear. In severe cases, it can lead to fainting or sudden death.

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)?

Treatment for aortic stenosis can be broadly divided into three types:

1. 1. Medical treatment with drugs
2. 2. Surgical treatment to replace the valve with an artificial one (valve replacement surgery)
3. 3. The recently introduced TAVI, which implants an artificial valve using a catheter.

Symptomatic aortic stenosis generally requires either surgical treatment (option 2) or TAVI (option 3). Here, we will explain TAVI.

TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a new treatment for severe aortic stenosis. It involves placing an artificial valve in the patient’s heart using a catheter, without the need to open the chest or stop the heart. This minimally invasive procedure results in less physical strain on the patient and shorter hospital stays, as it does not require the use of a heart-lung machine.

TAVI is currently recommended for patients who are unable to undergo traditional valve replacement surgery due to physical weakness, old age, or other health risks. However, complications can occur during the procedure, so it is essential to carefully assess whether TAVI is appropriate for each patient.

TAVI Treatment Methods

There are two approaches to TAVI:

1. 1. Transfemoral Approach: This method involves inserting the catheter through the blood vessels at the base of the thigh.
2. 2. Transapical Approach: This technique requires a small incision between the ribs to access the tip of the heart (the apex).

TAVI at Shonan Kamakura General Hospital

Our hospital began offering TAVI, the latest treatment for severe aortic stenosis, in 2012. Since then, we have continuously advanced alongside the development of this treatment. Leveraging our extensive experience, we are also able to use cutting-edge TAVI equipment to treat patients who may be challenging to manage with surgical aortic valve replacement or existing TAVI devices.

We are proud to have doctors who are certified instructors for four TAVI procedures: SAPIEN-XT, SAPIEN3, CoreValve, and EvolutR. As a general hospital, we are equipped to treat patients with a variety of conditions, not just cardiac diseases, ensuring comprehensive in-house care.