7
For those 75 years and above , TAVI is the perfect option and procedure of choice
90 % of patients can already undergo access via this route and that there is little scope or need to improve on this . With respect to bleeding , she added how ultrasound-guided puncture is now used , which is a more precise technique , and that complications are reduced even further because of the current closure devices available .
Dr Bleiziffer thinks that in the future , it is likely that more TAVI procedures will be undertaken , but there remains a role for surgery , as some patients have “ for example , bad access due to the anatomy of the valve or have conditions such as endocarditis ”. She explained , “ while surgery will not die , it will decrease over time ”. She added how with an ageing population , “ for those 75 years and above , TAVI is the perfect option and the procedure of choice ”. With an increased awareness of TAVI , Dr Bleiziffer had observed how many patients she sees in clinic come requesting a TAVI even though they might not be a suitable candidate .
Summing up , Dr Bleiziffer emphasised the importance of the heart team and how , moving forward , an interdisciplinary discussion was crucial to evaluate and assess all patients to find the most appropriate treatment option . >