Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)


How to refer a patient Contact the TAVI team Patient journey video Centre of Excellence

Heart unit named as international flagship site

Posted on in Services

The James Cook University Hospital has been named as an international flagship site for a specialist heart procedure which replaces narrowed heart valves without the need for open heart surgery. TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is a minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedure that provides an alternative to open heart surgery for higher risk patients. The Middlesbrough team is one of only two in the country – and one of only a handful in Europe – to be awarded Benchmark status by the Centre for Heart Valve Innovation in Vancouver.

Heart team celebrate 500th TAVI patient

Posted on in Services

The heart team at The James Cook University Hospital has reached an exciting milestone after successfully carrying out one of its most advanced procedures on more than 500 patients. TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is an advanced procedure in which a team of specially trained consultants replace a narrowed heart valve without the need for open heart surgery.

What is TAVI?

What is TAVI and what is aortic stenosis? TAVI stands for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It is an advanced procedure in which a team of specially trained consultants replace narrowed heart valves without the need for open heart surgery.

Treatments

When treatment of the heart valve is needed there are two options: major open heart surgery or TAVI, where a new heart valve is inserted through a small cut in the groin or chest and is mostly performed under local anaesthetic.

Tests

Before the heart team at The James Cook University Hospital can decide which treatment is better for you a number of tests need to be performed. You can find out more about the tests involved on this page.

Admission

Once you have a date for your TAVI procedure at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, you will be invited to a pre-admission clinic to see the specialist nurse. This will make sure you are adequately prepared for your procedure and will also give you and your family chance to ask questions.

Recovery

After the TAVI you will be taken to the coronary care unit, this is because you will need to be on a heart monitor for a period of time. You will need to recover in bed for two to three hours before the nurse will help you sit up and begin to mobilise around the ward.

Centre of Excellence

The James Cook University Hospital has been named as an international flagship site for a specialist heart procedure which replaces narrowed heart valves without the need for open heart surgery.

How to Refer

How to refer patients for TAVI at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough including information required with each referral.

Patient Stories

Read about some of the experiences of our TAVI patients at The James Cook University Hospital.

Contact Details

Contact details for the TAVI team at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Useful Links

Useful website links for TAVI patients and staff at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.