This is when the aortic valve is significantly narrowed and blood flow through it is very restricted or ‘leaky’, with possible symptoms including tiredness, breathlessness, collapse and fluid retention.
If the valve function gets worse, this can cause heart failure – weakening of the heart’s pumping action – which can be life-threatening.
There are three main ways to treat aortic stenosis:
Medication, most often with diuretics (water tablets) which get rid of the fluid build-up in the heart and lungs. This will not improve the status of the diseased heart valve and the condition is likely to get worse over time.
Conventional open-heart surgery, where the narrowed or leaky valve is removed and replaced with an artificial valve. During conventional surgery, a cut is made to open the chest and then the heart is artificially stopped to allow the operation to take place. During the operation a special bypass machine is used to pump the blood around your body. This surgery may not be suitable for all patients, especially where other medical problems make the operation too risky.
TAVI, where the diseased valve is not removed but is pushed to one side by the insertion of a new valve made from compatible tissue. The heart does not need to be stopped for this and, in the majority of cases, the new valve is inserted and moved into position through the artery via a small cut in the top of the leg. TAVI is commonly done as a day case procedure, but it may require an overnight stay for monitoring purposes.
Video about what’s involved with a TAVI procedure
The team at the Freeman Hospital perform around 500 TAVI procedures a year and are helping to guide good practice within the UK and Europe.
If you have any questions about TAVI, please contact specialist nurses Debbie Stewart or Sarah Lamb on 0191 2829156 or 0191 2139145.
Assessment process for a TAVI
Once your doctor has referred you to the TAVI team, you will be assessed using the following steps:
An echocardiogram – to assess the function of the valve more closely. If this has been done before, we may sometimes need to repeat it.
A CT scan – to assess the aortic valve size and shape and the artery in the legs to ensure the TAVI can be done safely through the large artery in the groin. If this was already done at your local hospital , we will not repeat the CT here.
An outpatient appointment, with a member of the TAVI medical team – a TAVI specialist doctor will take a detailed history and assess your ability to do daily activities. They will also review all the investigations to see if you are suitable for the procedure. This appointment will be within a few weeks of being referred to the TAVI team.
Symptoms to monitor while you’re waiting for a TAVI
If you are concerned that your symptoms are getting worse, please contact the TAVI specialist nurses straight away on 0191 2829156.
Symptoms to monitor carefully
Worsening breathlessness
New or more frequent chest pains
New or worsening ankle swelling
New or worsening dizziness.
CALL IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING (KNOWN AS RED FLAG SYMPTOMS):
Blackouts
Breathlessness while you’re at rest
Chest pain that does not go away
If you feel unwell with any of the red flag symptoms above and are unable to contact the TAVI team you should call 999 or seek urgent medical attention.
We welcome any questions or concerns and look forward to meeting you at your clinic appointment.
