Final answer:
TAVI is preferred over SAVR for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis based on certain criteria such as advanced age and frailty. TAVI is a less invasive procedure with comparable outcomes to SAVR but with lower risk of complications and faster recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
In patients with severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is preferred over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for symptomatic patients who meet certain criteria. TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a new valve into the heart through a small incision in the leg or chest. SAVR, on the other hand, requires open-heart surgery.
The criteria for choosing TAVI over SAVR may include factors such as advanced age, frailty, coexisting health conditions, and anatomical considerations. TAVI has been shown to have comparable outcomes to SAVR in terms of mortality and symptom improvement, but with lower risk of complications and shorter recovery period.
It's important to note that the decision to choose TAVI or SAVR should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the patient's specific circumstances and preferences. Consulting with a cardiac specialist or a heart team is crucial in making this decision.