Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)

An alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement SURGERY

A cardiac procedure to fit a valve into the heart to treat aortic stenosis

Book Online

HCA UK Booking Line:

020 7616 4988

We are proud to perform the most TAVIs in the UK private sector.

In 2022 we carried out over 300 TAVIs across our cardiac hospitals.

What is a TAVI procedure?

A transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery for treating 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 approach for you. The procedure involves inserting an artificial valve into your heart through a small (1cm) incision at the top of your leg. Successful treatment will improve your heart's ability to pump blood throughout your body. 

Need to know

  • What happens during your procedure? icon plus

    TAVI is usually performed under light sedation with local anaesthetic, meaning you'll be slightly drowsy and pain-free throughout the procedure. Your consultant will insert a thin, flexible tube (a delivery catheter) through a small cut in the skin, usually in your groin but sometimes between your ribs or under your collarbone.

    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. Most artificial valves are made using bovine (cow) tissue. This new valve is expanded to fit in place of the old, narrowed valve. The whole procedure takes one to two hours.

  • How to prepare for your TAVI icon plus

    Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and let you know how to prepare. If you're having general anaesthetic or sedation, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for.

  • After your procedure icon plus

    The recovery time for TAVI is generally much faster than for traditional open heart surgery. You'll be cared for in hospital for as long as your recovery requires, but most patients go home within two days following the procedure. 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.

The Cost Of a TAVI Procedure

Hospital stay and procedure

Price

£65,675

Expected length of stay

Approximately 2 days

Included

Before admission

  • Pre-assessment carried out by one of our nurses

During your hospital stay

  • The procedure including unanticipated prostheses and consumables (including pacemaker or stents where these prove necessary at the time of procedure)
  • Valve costs
  • Complications as a result of the procedure whilst in hospital
  • Inpatient care up to 30 days including ITU/HDU and general ward care
  • Medication
  • Inpatient pathology
  • Inpatient diagnostics
  • Any other hospital treatment cost directly associated with the TAVI procedure
  • Readmission within 30 days of discharge (up to a maximum of 30 days length of stay, including ITU/HDU and general ward care in total)

 

Excluded

  • Fees charged by your Consultant Cardiologist, both for the procedure and for any follow-up appointments.
  • Fees charged by your second operator Consultant Cardiologist
  • Fees charged by a Consultant Anaesthetist for your procedure.
  • Costs of re-admission to one of our hospitals if this happens 30 (or more days) after the procedure.
  • Any treatment un-related to the original procedure.
  • Costs for visitors’ meals and drinks, alcoholic drinks and newspapers if you choose to order any of these during your hospital stay.
  • The cost of any phone calls made from your in-room phone, if you or one of your visitors use this phone during your hospital stay.

 

Our TAVI consultants

We're proud to work with leading cardiac experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

A specialist cardiac team will be involved in your TAVI procedure, including your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon. Your consultant will discuss the procedure with you in detail and answer any concerns you may have.   

Our TAVI locations

We provide the TAVI procedure as part of our Cardiac Units at three of our flagship hospitals.

Request a cardiac appointment

If heart symptoms are affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help. Our heart team is available to book an appointment with a cardiac specialist.

Call us today

020 7616 4988
Get in touch
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
back to top