When it comes to your heart, every decision matters especially if you’re dealing with aortic valve disease.
If your doctor has mentioned treatment options like TAVI or SAVR, it’s normal to feel unsure about which one is right for you.
At our clinic, the goal is to make complex heart treatments easier to understand, so you can choose what’s best with confidence and peace of mind.
Let’s walk through both procedures and compare them clearly.
What Is TAVI?
TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
It’s a minimally invasive heart procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the valve becomes too narrow, making it harder for your heart to pump blood.
What makes TAVI unique?
- A small, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the leg and guided to the heart.
- A new valve is placed inside the old one, helping blood flow normally again.
- There’s no need to open the chest or stop the heart.
TAVI is recommended for
- Older patients
- People who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to other health conditions
- Those looking for a quicker recovery and fewer hospital days
What Is SAVR?
SAVR stands for Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement. It’s the traditional and long-established method for replacing a damaged heart valve.
What to expect with SAVR
- The chest is opened through an incision, and the heart is temporarily stopped.
- The diseased valve is removed and replaced with a new one.
- This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and involves a longer hospital stay.
SAVR is preferred for
- Younger or otherwise healthy patients
- Patients who need other heart surgeries (e.g., bypass)
- Those seeking a valve with long-term durability
Key Differences of TAVI vs. SAVR
To help you choose, here’s a breakdown of the important differences between the two procedures
Invasiveness
- TAVI: No open surgery. It is done via catheter.
- SAVR: Open-heart surgery with chest incision
Recovery Time
- TAVI: Faster, typically 1–2 weeks
- SAVR: Longer, usually 4–6 weeks
Hospital Stay
- TAVI: 1–3 days
- SAVR: 5–7 days
Best Suited For
- TAVI: Elderly patients, high-risk individuals
- SAVR: Younger, low-risk patients with good overall health
Durability
- TAVI: Effective, but long-term durability is still being studied
- SAVR: Proven track record with long-lasting results
Additional Conditions
- TAVI: Best for isolated valve issues
- SAVR: Suitable if other heart problems need surgical correction
Which One is Right For You?
Choosing between TAVI and SAVR isn’t just about age, it’s also about your entire health picture. You will want to consider
- Your heart’s overall condition
- Other existing medical problems
- Your ability to recover from surgery
- Personal lifestyle and activity level
This is why expert medical guidance is so important. If you’re based in or near Newtown, the best cardiologist in Newtown at our clinic will take the time to evaluate your condition and walk you through the safest and most effective option.
Conclusion
Both TAVI and SAVR are proven procedures with life-changing benefits. The key is choosing the one that fits you.
With the right medical help by your side, you can make an informed decision and feel confident about the journey ahead. At The New Town Clinic, your heart health is our top priority.
Book your consultation today and let’s find the best path forward, together, because your heart deserves expert care, and we’re here to provide it.