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Saint Thomas Heart

Valve in Valve Transcatheter Procedures

The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a state-of-the art procedure for patients with aortic valve stenosis who are not candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement. TAVI involves implanting an artificial aortic valve without removing the damaged valve. The artificial valve is made from animal tissue and a metal mesh stent.

During the procedure, the surgeon compresses the artificial valve and places it into a thin tube called a catheter; the catheter then is inserted into the femoral artery through a tiny incision in the groin and is threaded it to the aorta. The surgeon places the artificial valve into the aortic valve, where it expands, pushing the damaged parts of the aortic valve out of the way. The new valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow to the aorta.

This procedure is for patients who are not good candidates for traditional open heart surgery, or for those with conditions that could make surgery dangerous, such as those with diabetes or obesity.