TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)

In open surgeries, the old valve is cut and removed. However, in the TAVI method, the old calcified valve is not removed. The "New Valve", compressed in the wire mesh at the tip of the device, is forcefully opened by inflating a balloon right in the middle of that old petrified valve. The old valve is pushed to the edges and acts as a socket for the new valve to hold onto.

The TAVI procedure was initially developed for very high-risk patients of advanced age (over 75-80 years old), with lung or kidney problems, who were said to "not survive an open heart surgery". Thanks to TAVI, these patients were discharged in 2 days and held on to life. Since its success has been proven today, it has also begun to be applied to moderate-risk and younger patients.

The procedure is generally performed while the patient is conscious or under mild sedation (a relaxing state of sleep) without requiring general anesthesia (being put to sleep). Because the breastbone is not cut, the patient is moved from intensive care to a regular room on the same day and discharged in good health within 2-3 days. However, as with any procedure, it carries minor risks such as a stroke (blood clot) or vascular damage.