For patients with aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), it is possible to implant a new valve without the need for open-heart surgery. The new valve is passed to the heart via a peripheral artery – most commonly from the leg. This approach is increasingly used for older patients and for those with conditions that would increase the risk of conventional surgery. The recovery time following the procedure is shorter than for conventional surgery but the procedure carries its own risks. A decision about TAVI vs open surgery requires a detailed discussion between your Cardiologist and Cardiac Surgeon.