TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is a catheter-based method of replacing an aortic valve. Whether TAVI, surgical valve replacement or another strategy is appropriate depends on the exact valve disease, symptoms, anatomy, overall health and the multidisciplinary Heart Team assessment.
How the treatment decision is made
The 2025 ESC/EACTS valvular-heart-disease guidelines emphasize patient-centred Heart Team decision-making and the role of specialist Heart Valve Centres. A treatment request should therefore be viewed as a request for individual evaluation rather than a booking for a predetermined procedure.
- Confirm the valve diagnosis and severity
- Review symptoms and functional status
- Assess anatomy and procedural feasibility
- Consider surgical and transcatheter options
- Discuss lifetime treatment considerations and patient preferences
Tests that may be needed before TAVI
The exact work-up varies. Specialist centers commonly use echocardiography and advanced imaging to characterize the valve and plan intervention; coronary assessment and other testing may be required depending on the patient's history and procedural plan.
- Recent echocardiography report and images when available
- ECG and current medication list
- Recent laboratory results
- CT or other imaging requested by the valve team
- Previous coronary angiography or cardiac reports if relevant
Planning treatment from abroad
For international patients, the practical sequence often starts with remote review of medical records. A German center may then indicate whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate, provide an estimated treatment plan and issue a cost estimate before travel.
Questions to ask the German heart center
Useful questions focus on the individual decision rather than on headline procedure statistics.
- Why is TAVI being considered in my case?
- What alternatives should also be discussed?
- Which additional tests are needed before a final decision?
- What is included in the hospital cost estimate?
- How long should I remain in Germany for follow-up after discharge?
Sources and review
This guide was last source-reviewed on 2026-08-29.