Who Qualifies for TAVI1

All patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis should undergo a Heart Team evaluation. Patients with severe, asymptomatic aortic stenosis may also be eligible for a Heart Team evaluation if they meet certain criteria. The Heart Team will evaluate what form of intervention the patient should receive for their severe aortic stenosis.1

If you are aged 70 or older and intervention is recommended based on your symptoms and anatomy, you could be eligible for TAVI.1

If you are younger than 70 years of age, you may be eligible for TAVI if an intervention is recommended based on your symptoms and anatomy, but the risk of surgery is high.1

Additional types of patients who may be eligible for TAVI following Heart Team evaluation include:

  • Bicuspid aortic valve patients. Surgery is usually the best option1, but TAVI can also be an option where surgical risk is high.2
  • Those patients whose aortic valve has already been replaced1 but whose replacement valve is failing.1,3,4

Who determines if I qualify for TAVI?

A qualified Heart Team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the TAVI procedure is right for you.

A Heart Team is a specialized care team of qualified healthcare professionals who work together to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. This team includes:5,6

  • Interventional cardiologists TAVI Doctors
  • Cardiothoracic surgeons
  • Imaging specialists
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Cardiac cath lab staff
  • Cardiologist

What happens during the TAVI evaluation?

Your TAVI evaluation will be performed at a specialized hospital by a Heart Team.

They will run several tests to determine the best treatment plan for you and to evaluate if you are a TAVI candidate.1 Some of these tests include:1,6

  • An angiogram to examine how blood is flowing through your heart’s arteries
  • An  echocardiogram to take pictures of your heart
  • Other diagnostic tests which can be explored in our FAQs section6

In some cases, you may have already taken some of these tests. However, it may be important that the tests be taken again at the request of your Heart Team.7 Although it may feel like a lot of appointments, it’s important because your Heart Team wants to make sure they are recommending the best treatment option for you.

Make sure you speak to your cardiologist and/or Heart Team about your treatment options and life goals, as your preference and wishes will help decide your treatment.

It's important not to delay your treatment. Ask your doctor about your treatment options

If you're experiencing symptoms like breathlessness and chest pain, it's important to talk to your doctor. Without treatment, survival rates are as low as 50% at 2 years.5

TAVR discussion guide

The progression of your symptoms should be monitored. Ask your cardiologist how often you should see them, and when you can expect treatment for your aortic stenosis. Use this discussion guide to help you have a productive conversation at your next appointment.

Talk with your doctor
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. Praz F, Borger MA, Lanz J et al. 2025 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. Eur Heart J. 2025;46(44):4635–4736.
2. Das R, Puri R. Transcatheter Treatment of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease: Imaging and Interventional Considerations. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2018;5:91. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00091.
3. Makkar RR, Kapadia S, Chakravarty T, et al. Outcomes of repeat transcatheter aortic valve replacement with balloon-expandable valves: a registry study. Lancet. 2023;402(10412):1529–1540. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01636-7.
4. Malaisrie SC, Zajarias A, Leon MB, et al. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Bioprosthetic Valve Failure: Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves 3 Aortic Valve-in-Valve Study. Struct Heart. 2022;6(6):100077. doi: 10.1016/j.shj.2022.100077.
5. Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO et al. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Feb 2;77(4):e25–e197. doi: 0.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.018.
6. Khan S, Shi W, Kaneko T, et al. The Evolving Role of the Multidisciplinary Heart Team in Aortic Stenosis. US Cardiol. 2022;16:e19. doi: 10.15420/usc.2022.04.
7. St. Mary's general hospital. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation TAVI. Tavi Patient Education Booklet. Accessed from: https://www.smgh.ca/areas-of-care/cardiac-care/structural-heart-program/tavi-booklet-2023.pdf. [Accessed on 15 May 2025.]

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