TAVI/TAVR vs Open Heart Surgery

Understanding the benefits and risks of each treatment option will allow you to make an informed choice.

Open heart surgery or TAVI/TAVR

Open heart surgery and TAVI are both standard treatments for aortic stenosis.¹
Open heart surgery is an invasive procedure and can lead to serious complications.²
TAVI is a less invasive alternative to surgery.³
TAVI is available to all patients with severe aortic stenosis, including those who are advised to not undergo surgery.⁴

See here for more details on both procedures.

	TAVI/TAVR	Surgical aortic valve replacement
What happens in the procedure?	New valve is placed within the old valve¹	New valve completely replaces the diseased valve¹
How is this done?	Small incision, typically on the upper leg¹	An incision is made on the chest to access the heart¹
How long does it take?	1-2 hours⁴	2-4 hours⁵
What do I need to do before the procedure?	Check with your doctor if you need to stop taking any medications or modify your diet
Will I be sedated?	Local anaesthesia in most cases¹,⁴	General anaesthesia²
When can I start normal activities after the procedure?	2-4 weeks⁴	2-3 months²

Your doctor might refer you to a heart team for your aortic valve replacement procedure.

Tips on talking to your doctor Learn more about the heart team

Watch more about the different treatment options.

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Watch this video to know more about SAVR

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Learn more about TAVI/TAVR

Do not delay getting your heart checked. Visit your doctor today.

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References

Mayo Clinic. Aortic valve stenosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353145. Accessed 23 October 2023. 
American Heart Association. Managing Aortic Stenosis Symptoms. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-risks-signs-and-symptoms/managing-aortic-stenosis-symptoms. Accessed 23 October 2023.
Otto CM, et al. Circulation 2021;143:e72-e227.
British Heart Foundation. TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation). Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/information... Accessed 2 August 2023.

Important safety information

Information on this site includes educational information regarding certain conditions and potential therapies or treatment options.

Other therapies or treatment options may be available and you should discuss any educational information you access online with your healthcare professional. Appropriate treatment for individuals is a matter for healthcare professionals to decide in consultation with each individual.