Concierge cardiology · UK
TAVI - a new aortic valve, no sternotomy.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis - a new valve delivered through the groin, no open-heart surgery. Consultant interventional cardiologist, heart-team MDT and CT sizing before the valve is chosen.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant interventional cardiologist plus surgical MDT
A named interventional cardiologist with high TAVI volume, backed by a cardiothoracic surgeon and heart-team MDT - not a single-operator decision.
- 02
CT sizing before valve choice, not after
ECG-gated CT-angiography to size the annulus, root and access route - and to choose the right valve type (balloon-expandable or self-expanding) for your anatomy.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic or manufacturer, so whether TAVI, surgical AVR or medical management fits you best is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private TAVI costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner cardiac centres. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with insurer cover checked.
In short
Standard transfemoral TAVI in our network: £35,000–£55,000, home in 2–3 nights.
| Item | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interventional cardiology consultation | £300–£500 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Full workup (echo, CT, angio, bloods) | £2,500–£4,500 | - | 5–10 days |
| TAVI - transfemoral, balloon-expandable | £35,000–£55,000 | 60–120 min | 2–3 nights |
| TAVI - transfemoral, self-expanding | £38,000–£58,000 | 60–120 min | 2–3 nights |
| TAVI - complex anatomy or alternative access | £50,000–£65,000 | 90–180 min | 3–5 nights |
| Valve-in-valve TAVI (failed prior valve) | £40,000–£60,000 | 90–150 min | 2–4 nights |
| Post-TAVI cardiac rehab (per week) | £1,500–£3,500 | - | Weekly |
Prices vary by hospital, by the operator, by valve platform and by whether an alternative access route is needed. Cardiac rehab and any post-procedure pacemaker are additional. NHS TAVI is available through cardiology heart-team MDTs at approved centres. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right patient, the right valve, and a real heart-team decision.
TAVI is where private cardiology sometimes drifts - a single-operator decision, valve choice made on brand loyalty and surgical AVR ruled out on paper. We fix all three before you consent.
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A real heart-team decision
Interventional cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, imaging and geriatrics in the room - not a single opinion.
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Match the valve to your anatomy
Balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves have different strengths. CT-angiography drives the choice, not marketing.
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Surgical AVR still deserves the conversation
For some patients - younger, bicuspid, complex - surgical AVR is still the better long-term answer. We say so if it applies.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One heart team from first message through workup, MDT, TAVI and long-term follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before TAVI
Workup, CT, MDT, valve choice
Phase 2 · On the day
Procedure and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Echo, rehab, follow-up
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, echo results, other heart disease, prior heart surgery, frailty and comorbidities.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether TAVI, surgical AVR or medical management fits best, and an indicative price. STS and EuroSCORE risk calculated.
- 03
Before
Full workup and CT-angiography
Transthoracic echo, ECG-gated CT-angiography of the aortic root and access vessels, coronary angiogram, bloods, frailty score and dental review.
- 04
Before
Heart-team MDT
Discussion at the heart-team MDT - interventional cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiac imaging and geriatrician. Valve type and access route agreed. Surgical AVR ruled in or out.
- 05
On the day
Admission and procedure
Same-day admission. Transfemoral (usual route) under conscious sedation or GA. Balloon-expandable or self-expanding valve deployed. 60–120 minutes on the table.
- 06
On the day
Recovery and discharge
CCU or step-down overnight. Temporary pacing wire monitored for conduction issues. Discharge usually at 2–3 days.
- 07
After
Review, echo and long-term follow-up
Echo at 4–6 weeks. Cardiology review at 3 months. Annual echo and cardiology follow-up thereafter, endocarditis prevention.
Typical end-to-end: 2–4 weeks from enquiry to TAVI. Full recovery: 4–6 weeks.
When it helps
When TAVI is the right step.
The clinical pictures we see most, plus the one red flag that means same-day cardiology rather than a routine workup.
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Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis
Peak velocity above 4 m/s, mean gradient over 40 mmHg or aortic valve area below 1.0 cm2 with breathlessness, syncope, angina or heart failure.
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High or intermediate surgical risk
STS score above 4 percent, older age, frailty, prior cardiac surgery or major comorbidities - TAVI is preferred over surgical AVR here.
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Low-risk patients (age-selected)
Landmark trials support TAVI in selected lower-risk patients too - anatomy and life expectancy drive the choice more than age alone.
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Failed bioprosthetic surgical valve
A degenerated surgically implanted tissue valve - valve-in-valve TAVI avoids repeat sternotomy in most cases.
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Bicuspid aortic valve
A congenital two-cusp valve - TAVI is feasible in selected anatomy with careful CT planning and self-expanding platforms.
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Severe aortic regurgitation (selected)
Off-label but growing - specific TAVI platforms are being used for pure aortic regurgitation in patients unsuitable for surgery.
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Post-radiation or porcelain aorta
A heavily calcified ascending aorta or prior mediastinal radiation makes surgical AVR dangerous - TAVI is often the only realistic option.
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Red flag: decompensated heart failure or syncope
Acute pulmonary oedema, recurrent syncope or a life-threatening arrhythmia needs same-day cardiology - not a routine TAVI workup timeline.
Valve and access options
Platform and access route both matter - here is the map.
What each option involves - balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves, transfemoral versus alternative access, valve-in-valve and cerebral protection.
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Balloon-expandable valve (Edwards SAPIEN)
A cobalt-chromium frame with bovine pericardial leaflets, deployed by balloon inflation. Precise placement, low pacemaker rate. The commonest platform worldwide.
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Self-expanding valve (Medtronic Evolut)
A nitinol frame with porcine pericardial leaflets, deployed by sheath withdrawal. Excellent for small annuli and bicuspid anatomy; slightly higher pacemaker rate.
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Mechanically expandable (Boston Lotus, discontinued)
Now withdrawn from most markets - mentioned for historical reference and for patients with a prior Lotus valve now needing valve-in-valve.
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Transfemoral access
The default route - a catheter through the femoral artery under local anaesthetic and sedation. Discharge in 2–3 nights.
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Transapical or subclavian access
Alternative access when femoral vessels are unsuitable. Requires small chest or clavicular incision under GA. Longer stay.
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Valve-in-valve TAVI
A new TAVI valve placed inside a failed surgical bioprosthesis. Avoids repeat sternotomy in most cases; careful sizing to avoid coronary obstruction.
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Cerebral embolic protection
A filter device that catches debris during valve deployment and reduces stroke risk. Used routinely by many operators in higher-risk anatomy.
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Concomitant PCI
Where significant coronary disease coexists, staged or same-session percutaneous coronary intervention is arranged with the interventional team.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of TAVI centres, we picked them.
High-volume interventional cardiology centres with on-site cardiothoracic surgery across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every TAVI centre in our network.
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Consultant interventional cardiologists with high TAVI volume and published outcomes
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On-site cardiothoracic surgery, so a heart-team MDT decision is real, not paper
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Full imaging suite: TOE, ECG-gated CT-angio and same-day coronary angiography
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Cardiac rehabilitation and geriatrics input for older or frailer patients
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
TAVI is a mature procedure in expert hands. The things worth planning are pacemaker risk, vascular access, and long-term follow-up.
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Sedation or GA, in a hybrid theatre
Transfemoral TAVI is usually done under conscious sedation with local anaesthetic to the groin. GA is used for alternative access or complex anatomy.
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Vascular access complications
Bleeding, haematoma or vessel injury at the femoral artery in 3–6 percent. Percutaneous closure and imaging control keep serious complications uncommon.
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New pacemaker in around 10–20 percent
The conduction tissue lies just below the aortic valve. New atrioventricular block needing a permanent pacemaker is one of the main TAVI-specific issues.
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Stroke, around 2–4 percent
Stroke risk is reduced with cerebral embolic protection devices in high-risk anatomy. Same-day imaging and neurology cover are standard.
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Paravalvular leak
Small leaks around the new valve happen in a minority. Modern valves have skirts that markedly reduce this. Significant leak may need a balloon post-dilation or, rarely, a second valve.
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Coronary obstruction
A rare but serious complication where the displaced native valve or the TAVI frame covers a coronary ostium. Careful CT planning and, where needed, chimney stenting mitigate the risk.
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Kidney injury and contrast load
Contrast used for imaging and deployment can stress the kidneys. Hydration protocols and minimum-contrast techniques are standard.
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Recovery and rehab
Back to normal daily activity within 2–4 weeks. Cardiac rehab starts at 2–4 weeks. Long-term antiplatelet or oral anticoagulant regimen tailored to the patient.
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Red flags after TAVI
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, one-sided weakness, black-out, groin swelling, fever, or a resting pulse below 40 need the same-day team or A&E, not a routine call.
Reading your procedure note
Your TAVI note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever valve was used - balloon-expandable or self-expanding - the note the interventional cardiologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Cardiology language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the procedure note and the echo before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Valve, access route and rationale
Which valve platform was used, size, access route, and why this valve was chosen at MDT.
- 02 Technique
Deployment and imaging
Fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, cerebral protection, any pre- or post-dilation, and the final position on aortography.
- 03 Findings
Function on discharge
Post-procedure gradient, paravalvular leak grade, ECG changes and any new pacemaker.
- 04 Impression
Medications and follow-up
Read this first: antiplatelet or anticoagulant plan, echo timing, cardiology follow-up, endocarditis prevention and red flags.
Recognised by major UK insurers
TAVI is usually covered where the patient meets clinical criteria and the case is discussed at a heart-team MDT. We confirm cover with the insurer before booking and pursue NHS access first where that fits better.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about TAVI.
Quick answers on candidacy, valve durability, recovery, risks and cost.
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What is TAVI and how is it different from open surgery?
TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) replaces a diseased aortic valve using a catheter usually threaded through a femoral artery in the groin, so there is no sternotomy, no bypass machine and no long incision. Surgical AVR opens the chest, stops the heart on a bypass machine and sews a new valve in. TAVI has a much shorter stay and recovery; surgical AVR still suits certain younger patients and complex anatomy.
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Who is TAVI for?
The main indication is severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Older, frailer patients and those at intermediate or high surgical risk have been the classic candidates. Landmark trials now support TAVI in selected lower-risk patients too. Bicuspid anatomy, failed surgical bioprostheses (valve-in-valve) and porcelain aorta are also common indications.
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How long does recovery take?
Hospital stay is typically 2–3 nights after transfemoral TAVI, longer for alternative access. Most patients are back to light daily activity in 1–2 weeks, driving in 1–2 weeks (subject to any pacemaker rules), and full activity by 4–6 weeks. Cardiac rehab starts at 2–4 weeks.
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What are the main risks?
New pacemaker requirement in 10–20 percent, stroke in 2–4 percent, vascular access complications in 3–6 percent, and small paravalvular leaks in a minority. Serious complications are uncommon in high-volume centres. Age and frailty are the biggest drivers of overall risk.
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How long does a TAVI valve last?
Ten-year durability data now show that TAVI valves last comparably to surgical bioprosthetic valves in the medium term. Longer-term data (15–20 years) are still accruing. Valve-in-valve TAVI is a real option if a TAVI valve eventually degenerates.
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Is TAVI available on the NHS?
Yes. TAVI is well-established on the NHS through cardiology heart-team MDTs at approved centres for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis meeting NICE criteria. Waits vary. Private TAVI removes the wait and offers choice of centre and consultant, and is often the route for very fit patients pushing for early treatment.
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How much does private TAVI cost in the UK?
Roughly £35,000–£55,000 for a standard transfemoral case, £38,000–£58,000 for self-expanding platforms, £50,000–£65,000 for complex or alternative-access cases, and £40,000–£60,000 for valve-in-valve. Full workup adds around £2,500–£4,500. Rehab is extra. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Heart valve surgery
Surgical aortic valve replacement.
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PCI and stenting for coronary disease.
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Cardiac treatments
Wider private cardiology care.
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Atrial fibrillation care
Rhythm and anticoagulation planning.
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Hypertension care
Blood pressure diagnosis and treatment.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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