Preparing for TAVI

The sooner you treat your aortic stenosis, the sooner you can get back to the life you want to live. Although life can get busy, treating your severe aortic stenosis should still be a priority. TAVI (also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is a less invasive1,2 way to treat your severe aortic stenosis compared to open heart surgery. With TAVI, you don't need to have your chest opened. TAVI has a shorter procedure time and hospital stay compared to surgery. Most patients return home sooner and have shorter recovery time, getting them back to everyday activities.3-5

It's normal to have questions about the procedure and how quickly you can get back to your normal life. It is important to ask your cardiologist/Heart Team questions you may have.

What to do before TAVI

Your doctors will provide information and specific instructions on preparing for your TAVI procedure. In addition to these instructions, there are a few things you might consider in the weeks and days leading up to your procedure.

Ask how much you can exercise

Ask your cardiologist and/or Heart Team what level of activity is appropriate. Even short periods of exercise can become difficult depending on how severe your  aortic stenosis  has become. It is important to make note of new symptoms that might arise when exercising, such as breathlessness, chest pain, or feeling faint.

Talk to your doctor about your medications

Consult your cardiologist and/or Heart Team to figure out which medications you should or should not take leading up to and on the day of your procedure.

Eat a healthy diet

Talk to your cardiologist and/or Heart Team about which foods are recommended. Also, discuss with your doctors if and when you should stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure.

Get a dental checkup

Because oral bacteria can cause infection of the valve, it is important to visit your dentist prior to TAVI to make sure you are in good dental health.

Make a recovery plan

TAVI has a shorter procedure time and hospital stay compared to surgery. Most patients return home within a few days and have a shorter recovery time, getting them back to everyday activities. However, some patients may take longer to go home. Your doctor can provide more specific information about how long you may be in the hospital. It’s important to work out details such as who will take you home, stay with you, and/or help you prepare meals.

Ask any questions you have about the TAVI procedure

Your TAVI Doctor will walk you through the details of the procedure. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Find out what happens during the TAVI procedure.

Free TAVR info kit

Want more information delivered directly to you?

Get a free information kit by email or mail to learn more about severe aortic stenosis and TAVI as a treatment option.

What you’ll receive in your kit:

  • Education on severe aortic stenosis and symptoms checklist once it becomes severe
  • Information on TAVI as a treatment option
  • Discussion guide for talking with your doctor
Order your free info kit

References
1. Kleczyński P, et al. KardiolPol. 2014;72(7):612-616.
2. Reynolds MR, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60(6): 548-558.
3. Mack MJ, et al. N EnglJ Med. 2019;380(18):1695–1705 and supplementary material.
4. Thourani VH, et al. Lancet. 2016;387(10034):2218–2225.
5. Leon MB, et al. N Eng J Med 2016;374(17):1609–1620.

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