Information for the public

This procedure can be used but only when patients are having regular checks to see how well it is working or if it has caused problems. This is because there is not enough evidence to be sure how well it works.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) places a new valve inside a faulty valve in the heart. It is inserted through a tube (catheter), by way of a large blood vessel (artery) at the top of the leg or in the arm. This can dislodge fatty deposits that may block arteries supplying blood to the brain (a cerebral embolism), causing a stroke. In this procedure, before the new valve is inserted, a cerebral protection device is placed inside an artery near the heart. There are different types of devices. They either filter the debris from the blood or deflect it away from the brain. The device is removed at the end of the TAVI procedure. The aim is to reduce the risk of stroke.

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.

Is this procedure right for me?

If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Some questions to think about

  • What does the procedure involve?
  • What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
  • What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?

ISBN: 978-1-4731-3429-4


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