15 years since the first TAVI operation

World Heart Day marks 15 years since the first TAVI operation. This is a minimally invasive operation - catheterisation aortic valve replacement. The procedure is safe, gentle, suitable even for people who cannot undergo general anaesthesia, and allows the patient to go home after a few days in hospital and return to normal life virtually immediately. We perform around 1,300 procedures a year at 14 centres across the country, including our hospital. Although the expenses are fully covered by health insurance companies, many patients are still unaware of this option.