TAVI in Turkey

Who May Be Considered for TAVI Under Current 2025 European Guidance?

Current European guidance bases TAVI selection on age, anatomy, life expectancy, other diseases, patient preference, and future cardiac procedures. The 2025 ESC/EACTS guideline expanded TAVI recommendations for anatomically suitable patients aged 70 years or older. This applies to patients with tricuspid aortic valve anatomy, irrespective of estimated surgical risk. Surgery remains important for younger patients and several anatomically complex situations. Bicuspid valve anatomy can also change the preferred strategy. These recommendations do not mean everyone above 70 should receive TAVI. A Heart Team should integrate valve anatomy, access feasibility, clinical condition, and lifetime treatment planning.

What Tests Are Usually Reviewed Before TAVI?

Pre-TAVI assessment examines valve severity, anatomy, vascular access, coronary disease, and the patient's wider procedural risk.

• Echocardiography: This assesses aortic valve function, gradients, ventricular function, and other relevant valve disease.

• Cardiac CT: CT helps evaluate the aortic annulus, root, coronary relationships, calcification, and access vessels.

• Coronary assessment: Testing may identify coronary disease requiring consideration before or around valve treatment.

• Laboratory testing: Kidney function, blood counts, and other results can influence procedural preparation.

• Clinical assessment: Frailty, mobility, comorbidities, previous surgery, and future treatment needs also require review.

The exact work-up varies with individual anatomy and medical history.

Why Can CT Planning Change a TAVI Procedure?

CT planning can change TAVI strategy because valve size, coronary anatomy, calcification, and vascular access differ between patients. TAVI planning requires more than confirming severe aortic stenosis on echocardiography. CT can measure the aortic annulus and examine the surrounding aortic root. It can also assess coronary heights and peripheral arteries used for catheter access. These measurements help clinicians select an appropriate valve size and procedural route. Anatomy can also reveal potential technical concerns requiring different planning. Kidney function matters because contrast-enhanced CT may require additional consideration. CT findings therefore contribute directly to individualized procedural planning.

Is TAVI Always Performed Through the Groin?

No, TAVI is not always performed through the groin, although transfemoral access is commonly preferred when anatomy permits. Transfemoral TAVI reaches the heart through arteries beginning in the groin. Clinicians assess vessel size, calcification, tortuosity, and other anatomical factors before choosing this route. Some patients have peripheral vascular anatomy that makes transfemoral delivery unsuitable. Alternative access strategies can then require consideration by the Heart Team. The appropriate approach depends on available technology, anatomy, and institutional expertise. Patients should therefore avoid assuming that every TAVI follows an identical pathway or requires the same access technique.

Why Does Lifetime Valve Planning Matter Before TAVI?

Lifetime planning matters because a patient's first valve procedure can influence future valve and coronary treatment options. The 2025 ESC/EACTS guidance specifically includes the patient's lifetime treatment trajectory in TAVI decision-making. Biological replacement valves can eventually deteriorate. Selected patients may later require another intervention, potentially including valve-in-valve treatment. However, future feasibility depends on anatomy, the original prosthesis, and surrounding cardiac structures. TAVI valve design can also influence later access to the coronary arteries. These issues become particularly relevant when patients may need several cardiovascular procedures during their lifetime. Initial treatment planning should therefore consider future interventions, not only immediate valve replacement.

Can a Permanent Pacemaker Be Needed After TAVI?

Yes, some patients can require permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI because the procedure can affect the heart's electrical conduction system. The aortic valve lies close to structures that conduct electrical signals between heart chambers. Valve expansion can disturb these pathways in susceptible patients. New conduction abnormalities may appear during or after the procedure. Clinicians therefore monitor heart rhythm after TAVI. Pacemaker requirements vary according to patient anatomy, existing conduction findings, valve characteristics, and procedural factors. A pacemaker is not routinely required for every patient. Individual risk should be discussed during pre-procedure assessment and monitored after valve implantation.

Which Complications Require Monitoring During and After TAVI?

TAVI requires monitoring for cardiovascular, vascular, neurological, electrical, and kidney-related complications.

• Vascular complications: Catheter access can cause bleeding or injury to the access artery.

• Stroke: Embolic material can enter the circulation during a transcatheter valve procedure.

• Conduction problems: New electrical abnormalities can sometimes lead to permanent pacemaker implantation.

• Paravalvular regurgitation: Blood can leak around, rather than through, the implanted replacement valve.

• Kidney injury: Contrast exposure and other procedural factors can affect susceptible patients.

Other complications can also occur. Risk depends on anatomy, comorbidities, access route, valve characteristics, and procedural circumstances.

What Should International Patients Prepare Before TAVI in Turkey?

International patients should provide complete valve, vascular, coronary, and medical records before arranging TAVI in Turkey. Recent echocardiography reports should document the aortic valve and ventricular findings. Previous CT studies should be supplied with original imaging files when available. Patients should also provide coronary angiography, PCI, bypass, pacemaker, and previous valve records. Kidney disease, contrast reactions, bleeding history, and current medicines require disclosure. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment needs careful medication review. Patients should also arrange cardiology follow-up after returning home. New severe breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting requires urgent local assessment rather than planned medical travel.

How Can International Patients Verify a TAVI Provider in Turkey?

International patients can verify health-tourism authorization through official records published by Turkey's Ministry of Health. The current authorized-provider page is dated July 28, 2026. Health-tourism authorization does not confirm TAVI availability, individual eligibility, or a particular clinical result. Patients should separately confirm that the hospital provides the required structural heart service. Turkish public hospitals currently document TAVI activity, confirming that the procedure is available at selected public centers. A May 2026 Ministry notice also sets TÜSKA accreditation requirements for specified authorized facilities by December 31, 2026. Regulatory status should remain separate from individualized Heart Team assessment.

TAVI in Turkey Cost 2026: What Affects the Total Cost?

TAVI in Turkey has no single 2026 cost because valve, imaging, procedural, and hospitalization requirements differ between patients. This page therefore provides no fixed treatment price. Costs can depend on pre-procedure imaging, coronary assessment, laboratory testing, valve requirements, and vascular access planning. Anesthesia or sedation requirements can also influence the care pathway. Hospital monitoring, intensive care needs, pacemaker implantation, or complication management can create additional services. Follow-up echocardiography and cardiology assessments may also affect the overall plan. International patients should request an individualized written quotation after clinical review, with included and excluded services stated clearly.

This content provides general medical information and does not recommend TAVI, a particular valve device, healthcare provider, or clinical outcome. Aortic valve treatment requires individualized Heart Team assessment.

Last updated: August 14, 2026

Sources

• https://www.escardio.org/guidelines/clinical-practice-guidelines/all-esc-practice-guidelines/valvular-heart-disease/

• https://www.escardio.org/news/news-room/congress-news/2025-guidelines-valvular-heart-disease/

• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/understanding-your-heart-valve-treatment-options/what-is-tavr

• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/understanding-your-heart-valve-treatment-options/options-for-heart-valve-replacement

• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/understanding-your-heart-valve-treatment-options/your-aortic-stenosis-care-team

• https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2025/12/01/01/cover-story-the-digital-operating-room

• https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/09/11/12/53/considerations-for-optimal-device-selection

• https://sincaneah.saglik.gov.tr/TR-1094679/klinikten-haberler.html

• https://cigliegitimh.saglik.gov.tr/TR-1551695/5-kardiyoloji-zirvesi-kapsaminda-canli-vaka-yayinlarina-ev-sahipligi-yaptik.html

• https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/EN-69061/authorized-healthcare-providers-and-facilitators.html

• https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/EN-108974/regulation-on-international-health-tourism-and-tourist-health.html

• https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-117812/saglik-turizmi-yetki-belgesine-sahip-saglik-tesislerinin-dikkatine.html

• https://antalyaism.saglik.gov.tr/TR-366500/saglik-hizmetlerinde-tanitim-ve-bilgilendirme--faaliyetleri-hakkinda-yonetmelik.html