TAVR vs TAVI - what’s the difference?

TAVR vs TAVI - what’s the difference?

As a cardiologist, patients ask me this all the time.

 Short answer: They’re the same procedure.

TAVR = Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
TAVI = Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Both treat aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve that makes it harder for blood to flow out of the heart.

Think of it this way:

 The aortic valve is narrowed
⬇️
 A catheter goes in, usually through the groin
⬇️
 A new valve is delivered to the heart
⬇️
 The new valve opens and restores blood flow

Symptoms can include:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue
• Reduced ability to exercise

And importantly:

TAVR ≠ open-heart surgery.

It’s a catheter-based approach that can offer a faster recovery for appropriately selected patients.

So if you hear TAVR or TAVI, don't get confused.

Different name. Same procedure. 

#Cardiology #HeartHealth #TAVR #TAVI #AorticStenosis