services cardiology
Kardiologie

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)

Diese Therapie setzen wir insbesondere bei älteren und Hochrisiko-Patienten mit schwerer Aortenklappenstenose ein. Im Herzzentrum Leipzig führen Kardiologen und Herzchirurgen jährlich mehr als 800 solcher Operationen durch.

[Translate to Englisch:] Hybrid-OP im Herzzentrum
TAVI procedures are carried out in the hybrid operating theater at the Heart Center.

Catheter-based aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still a relatively recent procedure for the implantation of aortic valves. It offers our patients considerable benefits in comparison with the conventional methods of treatment previously used. It simplifies matters for the doctor carrying out the operation, and means that you as a patient face a much reduced risk.

What happens during a catheter-based aortic valve implantation? What are the risks, and what are the prospects of success? You will find answers to these questions below.

Modern catheter-based aortic valve implantation begins either through the femoral artery - as is also the case, for instance, with a stent implantation or cardiac catheterization - or through the artery in the clavicle.

Another option is to access the heart through the cardiac apex; the risk of a stroke tends to be lower when performing an aortic valve implantation in this way. With the help of a catheter system, the new heart valve is put in place; X-rays or ultrasound are used to assist and monitor how the operation is progressing every step of the way.

The next stage depends on the type of heart valve which has been selected for use. There are currently two different valve systems available for catheter-based aortic valve implantation:

  • the CoreValve heart valve made of pig heart tissue, which unfolds automatically, and
  • the Edwards SAPIEN heart valve made of bovine tissue, which is folded inside a steel frame and expanded during the Operation on the heart

One could not describe catheter-based aortic valve implantation as a very simple procedure. But major progress has been made around the world since 2002, and several thousand patients have already undergone successful operations for catheter-based aortic valve implantation.

In a global comparison, Germany is one of the leading countries in this field, and the Heart Center Leipzig is one of the best places in Germany to have this procedure. We have specialized in catheter-based interventions, and have acquired considerable experience in the field of catheter-based aortic valve implantation. So with us, your heart really is in the best hands.

Interdisciplinary heart Team

TAVI procedures are performed in the state-of-the-art hybrid operating theater, which combines the best features of a fully-equipped cardiac surgery operating room with a cardiac catheter laboratory. In addition, interventions are always overseen by an interdisciplinary team made up of heart surgeons and cardiologists. This interdisciplinary cooperation and the well-equipped ward means that we can guarantee you - our patients - the highest possible standard of safety and quality. The medical progress which catheter-based aortic valve implantation represents has greatly improved outcomes in the treatment of severe narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic valve stenosis).