CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation) procedure
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- The latest TAVI procedures including minimally invasive valve treatments
- Expert TAVI cardiology and heart operations with leading cardiac consultants
- Available across our network of four hospitals
- TAVI procedure appointments in as little as 24 hours
TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION (TAVI) AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
We’re the UK’s leader in private cardiac care and expert at providing the specialist TAVI procedure. Each year, more than 36,000 patients entrust us with their heart health.
We offer fast access to our expert cardiac consultants, who are supported by a highly skilled team of doctors, surgeons, clinical nurses and physiotherapists. Our network of state-of-the-art facilities includes four cardiac centres and six cardiac theatres, where our dedicated teams will care for you before, during and after your TAVI procedure.
A Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It’s used to treat severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve). Your consultant may recommend TAVI if they feel that conventional open-heart surgery isn't the right option for you.
TAVI is a minimally invasive heart operation. HCA UK’s leading heart specialists use a transcatheter procedure to replace a damaged valve with a new TAVI valve, without the need for open-heart surgery.
They’ll insert an artificial valve into your heart using a catheter. Most artificial valves are made using bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue. A small (1cm) incision is made in your groin, through which the catheter enters your body. Your surgeon uses the catheter to guide the replacement heart valve into place.
They’ll insert an artificial valve into your heart using a catheter. Most artificial valves are made using bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue. A small (1cm) incision is made in your groin, through which the catheter enters your body. Your surgeon uses the catheter to guide the replacement heart valve into place.
The TAVI heart procedure has a high success rate with fewer risks than traditional open-heart surgery. The benefits you’ll get from a TAVI operation will depend on the severity of your aortic stenosis, your age and your overall health.
You’ll have a faster recovery time and a smaller TAVI scar compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Other benefits can include:
- Shorter hospital stay compared to open-heart surgery
- An improvement in symptoms of breathlessness, chest pain and dizziness
- Reduced risk of developing heart failure
We recommend TAVI for patients with aortic stenosis, who may be too high risk for conventional open-heart surgery. Your consultant will let you know if the procedure is the right option for you and will probably recommend a full TAVI workup, including CT scans, to determine whether it’s the best approach.
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
99%
Success rate across all cardiac surgery
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-ranging expertise across the UK
Choose from locations in London and Birmingham
TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION (TAVI)
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your minimally invasive TAVI heart operation.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your minimally invasive TAVI heart operation.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial TAVI heart procedure consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred to us or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our cardiac specialists.
A TAVI heart procedure begins with a detailed review of your patient history and symptoms of aortic stenosis to determine if you’re a good candidate for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. That may involve arranging any necessary investigative diagnostic tests and scans.
02
Pre-op TAVI cardiology tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network. All our tests and scans are carried out in our state-of-the-art facilities by our expert teams.
Your consultant may refer you for a CT angiography for a TAVI workup to measure your heart and plan the valve placement. These tests are essential for a successful outcome.
They may also recommend that you have one of more of the following:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary angiogram
- CT scan
- X-ray
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram
These will let your consultant view your heart in more detail so they can make a diagnosis and decide whether a TAVI is the best procedure for you.
They’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you're aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your TAVI procedure.
03
The TAVI operation process
A minimally-invasive TAVI operation is usually performed under light sedation with local anaesthetic, so you'll be slightly drowsy and pain-free throughout the procedure. The transcatheter procedure involves inserting a new valve replacement through a small incision, usually in the groin, avoiding the risks of traditional open-heart surgery.
Your consultant will insert a flexible tube (a delivery catheter) through a small cut, which is usually in your groin.
The catheter is then passed towards the heart and through the opening of the narrowed aortic valve. A small balloon may be inflated to open your aortic valve and make room for the artificial valve. This new valve is expanded to fit in place of the old, narrowed valve. The whole TAVI surgical procedure typically takes from one to two hours.
04
Post-procedure recovery and aftercare
TAVI procedure recovery time is generally much faster than for conventional open-heart surgery. You'll be cared for in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals for as long as your recovery requires, but most patients return home within a few days.
You can expect some discomfort and will be given pain relief medication. It may take up to four weeks to fully recover, but your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work and exercise.
It’s essential that you have follow-up care to monitor your new TAVI heart valve replacement. You’ll have a consultation six weeks after the procedure so your cardiologist can check on your progress and decide if you need more specialist aftercare.
Our TAVI surgery and cardiology locations
Choose from our four state-of-the-art facilities in London and Birmingham for your TAVI procedure. Our private hospitals have a higher proportion of 'Outstanding' ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) than any other private healthcare group in the UK.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
TAVI FAQs
If you're having general anaesthetic or sedation, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for.
It’s a good idea to organise transport to and from the hospital in advance. If you live alone, you might want to arrange for someone to look after you during your recovery.
It’s a good idea to organise transport to and from the hospital in advance. If you live alone, you might want to arrange for someone to look after you during your recovery.
TAVI valve technology has a proven track record for patients with aortic stenosis and TAVI surgical procedures have a high success rate at HCA UK. Most of our patients find that their symptoms improve after the procedure and they have a better quality of life, as they’re experiencing less chest pain and breathlessness.
Usually, patients can return to their normal lives within a few weeks of having a TAVI. To find out more and whether you’re suitable for the procedure, please book a consultation with one of our specialists.
Usually, patients can return to their normal lives within a few weeks of having a TAVI. To find out more and whether you’re suitable for the procedure, please book a consultation with one of our specialists.
A minimally invasive TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, during which time your surgeon will successfully deploy your new valve through a small incision in your groin or chest.
Several factors may affect the length of your TAVI operation including the access route that your specialist choses, your own anatomy and the severity of your valve disease.
You may also need 30-60 minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect and a few hours in a recovery unit. You’ll typically need to stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days.
Several factors may affect the length of your TAVI operation including the access route that your specialist choses, your own anatomy and the severity of your valve disease.
You may also need 30-60 minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect and a few hours in a recovery unit. You’ll typically need to stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days.
TAVI procedure recovery is typically much faster than with traditional open-heart surgery. Generally, most patients are up and about within four to six hours following the procedure, and some are discharged the next day. Most patients will return home within 2-3 days.
The smaller TAVI scar aids a faster healing. While it’s normal to feel a bit sore after the procedure but most patients are back to normal activities within a few weeks, with improved exercise tolerance almost immediately.
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your consultant four to six weeks after the procedure so they can check on your progress and decide if you need any follow-on care.
The smaller TAVI scar aids a faster healing. While it’s normal to feel a bit sore after the procedure but most patients are back to normal activities within a few weeks, with improved exercise tolerance almost immediately.
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your consultant four to six weeks after the procedure so they can check on your progress and decide if you need any follow-on care.
More research is needed before we can give an exact period of time. However, most TAVI valves are still in a good condition 10 years on from the procedure.
A TAVI operation is a significant heart procedure. It’s minimally invasive, so doesn’t risk the added complications that can come with open heart surgery, however, like all procedures, it carries risks.
This is partly because of the procedure itself, and also because patients undergoing the procedure tend to be older and/or have other medical problems. Your consultant will explain these risks to you and answer any questions you may have, so you can decide whether you’d like to go ahead.
Your life expectancy after TAVI depends primarily on your age and the severity of any pre-existing health conditions such as aortic stenosis, rather than on the procedure itself.
No, your heart isn’t stopped during the procedure. TAVI is minimally invasive procedure that typically takes one to two hours. You’ll usually be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain as you’ll be given local anaesthetic and sedation.
A stent has a different function to a TAVI. While a TAVI is used to treat patients with aortic stenosis and replaces a heart valve, a stent is used to treat blocked or narrowed arteries, providing structural support to the arteries.
You can read about stent surgery here.
You can read about stent surgery here.
We offer several payment options to help cover to costs of a TAVI procedure. You may be covered by private medical insurance, so speak to your insurer about what your policy includes. You can also mention HCA UK as your preferred provider for private TAVI surgery in the UK, as well as mentioning your chosen consultant, if you have one.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-pay. We'll give you a transparent quote for your TAVI procedure cost, so you're not surprised by any unexpected bills.
If you’d like to find out more about our payment options, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to talk you through your options.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-pay. We'll give you a transparent quote for your TAVI procedure cost, so you're not surprised by any unexpected bills.
If you’d like to find out more about our payment options, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to talk you through your options.
Our patients’ stories
“Professor Doshi discussed my case with heart surgeons and decided open-heart surgery would’ve been too dangerous for me, so I was offered a TAVI procedure. I’m now walking 5,000 or 6,000 steps a day. It’s been life changing.”
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