Who is the right patient for TAVI in India?
TAVI is ideal for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high or intermediate risk for open-heart surgery. This often includes elderly patients, those with multiple health conditions, or patients with complex valve anatomy.

What age group commonly undergoes TAVI?
Most TAVI patients are over 70, but younger patients may qualify after a detailed heart team evaluation.  That said, the youngest patient with an implanted heart valve was only 38 yrs old, and the procedure was done at Apollo Hospitals. Choosing a good quality of life is one of the major non-medical factors behind deciding what is the right age.

Can TAVI be done after a previous valve surgery?
The short answer is yes, through a procedure called Valve-in-Valve TAVI. For better understanding though, the earlier solution for Aortic Stenosis was a procedure called SAVR, yes, Surgical Aortic valve Replacement. Medical terms can be quite easily explained when you study their evolution. The surgical part of the SAVR however is an ‘Open Heart’ procedure. That means, you go into deep sleep under anaesthesia, you are connected to a heart-lung machine so that blood flow avoids your heart and lungs during the surgery. The surgeon makes one long, vertical cut (about 6 inches) through your breastbone to access your heart, removes your damaged aortic valve and sews a new valve in its place. The two sides of your breastbone are then reconnected with wires that typically stay in for life.

Now while this may seem gory and not quite what you were looking for, it’s important to understand recommendations of both a cardiac surgeon as well as an interventional cardiologist before choosing the way forward. Whatever be our speciality we are all here to give you and your loved ones the best outcome.

How can I know if I have aortic stenosis?
Symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves echocardiography, CT scans, and clinical evaluation by Dr. Sai Satish’s heart team.

What tests are needed before TAVI?
You’ll undergo an echocardiogram (ECG), CT angiogram, and blood work. A heart team meeting with Surgeons and Cardiologists and Echographers will confirm if TAVI is the safest and most effective option for you.

Is TAVI painless?
Painless is not a term we are comfortable using because every patient has differing pain thresholds, right? The TAVI procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, with most patients awake and comfortable throughout. In case of any mild pain or discomfort that one might experience, we rush to address it with pain medication.

How long does TAVI take?
At Apollo Hospitals, the procedure lasts 1–2 hours, and most patients are discharged within 2–3 days.

How soon can a TAVI patient return to normal life?
Most patients walk within 24 hours and resume daily activities within a week.

Is TAVI safe?
Yes. Studies and long-term data show TAVI is as effective as open-heart surgery for the right patients, with faster recovery and fewer complications.

How long does the new valve last?
Present dayTAVI valves last 8–12 years or more, depending on patient health and follow-up care. In general, the focus is rarely on the lifespan of the valve but the other varied benefits that heart valves of different generations bring to the cardiologist. Trust your doctor to do the best for you.

What are the possible risks?
Complications are rare but can include bleeding, stroke, or valve leakage. Dr. Sai Satish’s team uses advanced imaging and meticulous planning to reduce these risks.

How long will I stay in the hospital after TAVI?
A: Typically, 2–3 days. You will be monitored in a cardiac ICU before moving you to a private room.

When can I eat or drink again?
A: Light meals are usually allowed within a few hours after the procedure, depending on recovery. It could take you a while for your next biryani though.

Is there any post-procedure pain?
A: Only mild discomfort at the catheter site, easily managed with medication.

How long does full recovery take after TAVI?
Most patients return to full activity in 1–2 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting for 7–10 days. This is important because the sudden unobstructed flow of blood to the heart could make you feel more than a few years younger… but take it easy, Tiger!

What symptoms require immediate medical attention?
Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, fever, or if there is any bleedingat the catheter site.

Can I climb stairs or walk?
Yes. Light walking and gentle activity are encouraged but please refer the point above.

What medications will I need after TAVI?
While we attempt to demystify TAVI in these FAQs the fact is that there is now a foreign object in your body that has literally given you a fresh lease of life and you need to take care of it. You may be prescribed blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and other cardiac support medications. All you need to do is always follow your cardiologist’s directions. Diligently.

How often should I follow up after TAVI?
First visit in 7–10 days, then regular check-ups and echocardiograms every 6–12 months.

Can I travel after TAVI?
Yes. Once cleared by Dr. Sai Satish, you may travel domestically or internationally within a few weeks.

What lifestyle changes improve heart health?
Eat a low-salt, heart-healthy diet, stay active, avoid smoking, and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Dr. Sai Satish himself is an avid gym-nut, and watches his diet very closely always striving to have the most colourful plates, no matter where in the world he is and no matter how busy he is. Simple rules. If he can do it, so can you.

Can I return to work?
Many patients return to office for light work within 2–4 weeks, assuming you had a job in the first place.

Who do I contact if I have concerns?
You can reach Dr. Sai Satish’s TAVI Care Team at +91 82202 77777
or doc@saisatish.com.

What if I need help after hours?
Emergency services are available 24/7 at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. In case of an emergency, visit the nearest Apollo Emergency Room or call 1066 for an Ambulance, almost anywhere in India. The government helpline is 108. Be sure to specify where they need to take the patient and inform relatives/friends of the same immediately.

Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Sai Satish is one of the best cardiologists in India and a leading Structural and Interventional Heart Specialist in Chennai, known for his excellence in TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) and valve repair procedures.He has one of highest number of TAVI procedures in India, helping patients with severe aortic stenosis avoid open-heart surgery and return to active lives quickly.

Pioneer in Non-Surgical Valve Replacement
A true pioneer of TAVI in India, Dr. Sai Satish has been involved in some of the country’s earliest and most complex valve replacement cases. He has also started the TAVI programs in more than 40 hospitals across the country and even internationally.
He uses latest-generation transcatheter valves and precision-guided techniques to deliver safe, minimally invasive heart care for elderly or high-risk patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery.

World-Class Care at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Practising at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, one of the top cardiac hospitals in India, Dr. Sai’s heart team works in world-class facilities for TAVI and other structural heart procedures along with some of the biggest names in healthcare, should there be a need.
Every patient receives a thorough evaluation, advanced 3D imaging, and round-the-clock support for a smooth and safe recovery.

Trusted by Patients Across India
Patients from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi travel to consult Dr. Sai Satish, widely regarded as a top TAVI specialist in India and best cardiologist in Chennai, India.
His patient-first approach, transparent communication, and proven results make him one of the most trusted names in minimally invasive heart valve replacement.