Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure in which a prosthetic valve is delivered via a delivery catheter inserted through the femoral arterydeployed at the site of the native aortic valve to restore valvular function. The procedure does not require thoracotomy, thereby minimizing traumapromoting faster postoperative recovery. However, TAVI is technically complexdemands close multidisciplinary collaboration among departments such as cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, medical imaging, anesthesiology,intensive care. A thoroughindividualized preoperative treatment plan must be established.

Indications:

1. Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area < 1 cm²);

2. EuroSCORE ≥ 20%Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score ≥ 10%. Most candidates are elderly patients (>70–75 years) with significant comorbidities who are deemed unsuitable for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement.

Technical Advantages: 

1. No thoracotomy is required, resulting in less trauma, shorter operative time,faster postoperative recovery.

2. Offers a novel therapeutic option for patients with aortic stenosis who are not candidates for conventional treatment, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Implementation at the Hospital:

Supported by the National Program for the Improvement of DiagnosisTreatment of Complex Cardiovascular Diseases, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China has been committed to aligning with cutting-edge globaldomestic medical technologies. In 2021, the department successfully performed its first TAVI procedure. In 2022, under the leadership of Dr. Feng Yaoguang, the team submitted the project as a new technology initiative within the hospital. To date, over 50 TAVI procedures have been performed with favorable outcomeshigh patient satisfaction.