TAVI is generally considered for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Whether it's the right option for you depends on several factors assessed together, not any single test.
Common symptoms that prompt assessment
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Chest tightness or angina
- Light-headedness or fainting (syncope)
- Reduced exercise tolerance or fatigue
Confirming valve severity
Diagnosis and severity grading are confirmed with echocardiography, looking at valve area, pressure gradients, and flow velocity, alongside symptom burden.
Risk and anatomical assessment
- Surgical risk scoring (e.g. STS or EuroSCORE) alongside overall frailty and comorbidities.
- CT angiography to map valve anatomy, annulus size, coronary artery height, and vascular access route.
- Consideration of valve anatomy type — bicuspid valves can add complexity and may shift the balance toward surgery in some patients.
- Life expectancy and quality-of-life goals, discussed with you directly.
The Heart Team process
Every case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary Heart Team of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists, who weigh these factors together and discuss the recommended approach with you before any decision is made. See how this compares to surgery on our TAVI vs SAVR page.
This page provides general information about TAVI and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. Suitability for TAVI is determined through consultation and Heart Team review.