TAVI vs TAVR

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant ( TAVI )

Procedure: TAVR/TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure where a new valve is inserted through a catheter, often via the femoral artery or a small incision.
Recovery: Shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery periods are typical with TAVR/TAVI.
Candidates: Initially designed for high-risk or inoperable patients, TAVR/TAVI has expanded to include intermediate and low-risk patients.
Durability: While TAVR/TAVI valves have shown promising durability, long-term data is still emerging.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement ( TAVR )

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) are terms often used interchangeably to describe a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating aortic valve disease. Both procedures involve the insertion of a new valve within the diseased aortic valve, usually without the need for open-heart surgery. The choice of terminology may vary regionally, with TAVR being more commonly used in the United States, while TAVI is frequently used in Europe and other parts of the world.

In essence, TAVR or TAVI represents the same innovative approach to treating aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation by delivering a replacement valve through catheter-based techniques, offering patients a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods. The decision to use TAVR or TAVI terminology may depend on regional conventions or the preference of medical professionals, but the underlying procedure remains fundamentally the same.