What is a TAVI?
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.
TAVI, which has been performed at James Cook since November 2009, is a much less invasive alternative, where patients are fitted with new heart valves through a small cut which is made in their groin or chest.
Most cases are performed under local anaesthetic, where the skin is numb and you are awake.
Some patients go home on the same day and some need to stay overnight or longer depending on individual recovery.
The specialist technique can only be performed at accredited hospitals and involves a number of consultants.
Each procedure involves the core lab team of consultant cardiologists, cardiac imaging, cardiac physiologists, radiography and nurses. The wider team includes specialist nurses and ward staff who care for you both pre and post procedure.
TAVI procedure video
Trust performs ten TAVI procedures in a day
What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is when the main valve which allows blood to flow from the heart around the body has become narrowed.
It can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, fainting and if left untreated life-threatening heart failure.