TAVI / TAVR – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), also known as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis. A new valve is implanted inside the diseased aortic valve without removing the old valve and without open-heart surgery.
At Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Dr. Nityanand Tripathi, Principal Director & HOD – Cardiology & Electrophysiology, offers advanced TAVI / TAVR for patients with severe aortic stenosis.
What is TAVI / TAVR?
During the procedure, a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel in the upper leg (or sometimes the chest) and guided to the heart. A new valve made of metal and animal tissue is delivered through the catheter and expanded inside the old aortic valve. The new valve takes over the function of regulating blood flow.
Why is TAVI Needed?
In severe aortic stenosis, the aortic valve does not open properly. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the body and can lead to breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heart failure, and reduced survival if left untreated.
TAVI was initially developed for patients who were too high-risk for open-heart surgery. Today it is also used for intermediate and selected low-risk patients because of excellent outcomes and faster recovery.
Benefits of TAVI
- Relief from breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue
- Improved energy levels and quality of life
- Shorter hospital stay compared to open-heart surgery
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
- Lower risk of certain complications in high-risk patients
- Reduced risk of heart failure progression and death in severe aortic stenosis
What Happens During the TAVI Procedure?
- You will usually be awake but sedated, with local anesthesia (general anesthesia is used in some cases)
- A catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin (or alternative access)
- The new valve is positioned inside the old aortic valve and expanded
- The catheter is removed and the access site is closed
- The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours
- Most patients stay in hospital for 2–4 days
How Long Do TAVI Valves Last?
Current data show that most TAVI valves function well for many years. Ongoing research continues to provide longer-term durability data as the technology and techniques advance.
Why Choose Dr. Nityanand Tripathi for TAVI?
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi is a highly experienced interventional cardiologist with more than 31 years of expertise. As the Principal Director & HOD of Cardiology & Electrophysiology at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, he offers:
- Expertise in structural heart interventions including TAVI / TAVR
- Comprehensive evaluation of severe aortic stenosis
- Multidisciplinary Heart Team approach
- Advanced imaging and procedural planning
- Patient-centric counseling and post-procedure care