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Monday, 9 February, 2026
When patients hear about TAVI, the first reaction is usually hopeful.
The second is cautious.
“Am I actually eligible?”
“Is this meant for someone like me?”
“And why hasn’t anyone talked about this earlier?”
These questions come up often, especially after a diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis. Surgery feels daunting. Recovery feels uncertain. And age, frankly, complicates everything.
Understanding who is eligible for TAVI/TAVR doesn’t always give a yes-or-no answer. But it does give direction. And that helps.
TAVI isn’t used for every heart valve issue. It has a very specific role.
The main condition where it’s considered is severe aortic valve stenosis, when the valve has narrowed enough to restrict blood flow out of the heart. In early stages, this condition can be quiet. People slow down gradually. They rest more. They avoid exertion without realising it. Later, symptoms become clearer. Breathlessness. Chest discomfort. Dizziness. Sometimes fainting. At that stage, valve replacement becomes necessary. Not optional. And that’s where TAVI may come into the picture.
There’s no single test that decides eligibility. And no universal checklist either. TAVI eligibility criteria are usually assessed as a whole, not in isolation.
Doctors look at:
● How severe the valve narrowing really is
● Whether symptoms are present and worsening
● How well the heart muscle is functioning
● Other medical problems that may affect recovery
This process, often called TAVI patient selection, is careful for a reason. Two patients with the same diagnosis can end up with different recommendations. That can feel confusing. But it’s deliberate.
Age comes up quickly in these conversations. Understandably so. TAVI was originally developed for patients who were older or considered high-risk heart surgery patients. Over time, its use expanded. But age alone still doesn’t decide things.
Doctors assess:
● Overall physical resilience
● Frailty and mobility
● Lung and kidney function
● History of previous surgeries
Some patients in their 80s do remarkably well with TAVI. Others, younger on paper, may not be ideal candidates. It’s rarely about the number. It’s about the body behind it.
Eligibility decisions rely heavily on imaging and testing. Symptoms alone aren’t enough.
Most patients undergo:
● An echocardiogram to confirm valve severity
● A CT scan to study valve shape and blood vessels
● Coronary angiography to check for blockages
● Blood tests and other routine evaluations
These tests help plan the TAVI procedure safely,or sometimes rule it out. And yes, that can be disappointing. But it’s usually about avoiding avoidable risk.
Who May Not Be Eligible for TAVI/TAVR?
TAVI isn’t suitable for everyone. That part matters.
Patients may not qualify if:
● The valve anatomy doesn’t allow proper placement
● There’s an active infection
● Other valve problems require open surgery
● Serious non-cardiac illness limits life expectancy
Being told “TAVI isn’t right for you” isn’t the same as being told “nothing can be done.”
It simply means another path may be safer.
For patients who are eligible, the benefits are often noticeable.
When doctors discuss TAVI benefits and risks, advantages commonly include:
● Avoiding open chest surgery
● Shorter hospital stays
● Faster return to daily routines
● Less physical stress overall
For many, this form of minimally invasive heart surgery feels manageable in a way traditional surgery doesn’t. Not effortless. Just… less overwhelming.
TAVI is safer than open surgery for many patients. But it isn’t risk-free. Possible complications include bleeding, rhythm disturbances, valve leakage, or stroke. These risks are uncommon, but they are discussed openly. Sometimes the risk-benefit balance isn’t clear-cut. And that’s where careful judgement matters more than enthusiasm.
Eligibility isn’t decided by one doctor, in one room, in one visit. A dedicated heart team reviews each case together. Cardiologists. Surgeons. Imaging specialists. Anaesthetists. They discuss options. They debate risks. They look beyond guidelines. This collaborative approach is central to modern structural heart disease care and helps ensure patients aren’t rushed into decisions. It also gives patients space to ask questions. And take time.
Eligibility for TAVI isn’t about choosing the newest option. It’s about choosing the right one. For some patients, TAVI is clearly appropriate. For others, surgery or medical management may be safer. Either way, understanding your options , symptoms worsen, makes decision-making less stressful later. Clarity doesn’t always mean certainty.
But it’s still better than guessing.
Is TAVI safer than open heart surgery?
For selected patients, particularly those at higher surgical risk, it often is.
What age group is suitable for TAVI?
There is no fixed age. Overall health and surgical risk matter more.
How long does recovery take after TAVI?
Most patients recover within days to weeks, much faster than open surgery.
What tests confirm TAVI eligibility?
Echocardiograms, CT scans, angiography, and related evaluations.
Can TAVI be repeated if needed?
In some cases, yes, but this depends on individual anatomy and valve type.
