Anaesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

SummaryTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in high risk and inoperable patients. Evidence in the literature from recent years has proven TAVI to be superior to standard medical therapy in terms of symptom improvement and survival, and an acceptable alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).TAVI is a complex procedure with a steep learning curve, and requires a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure optimal patient care. The anaesthetist is involved in the perioperative management of the high risk patient, providing a suitable anaesthetic with good haemodynamic control, and managing periprocedural complications. Knowledge of current technology facilitates delivery of optimal anaesthetic support, which is important in ensuring favourable patient outcomes.