1552 – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) via Transfemoral Delivery for Patients at Intermediate Risk for Surgery

TAVI is listed on the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) (Item 38495). This application requests an amendment to the patient population to include patients at intermediate risk of surgery.

The TAVI procedure is a transfemoral percutaneous minimally invasive insertion of a prosthetic heart valve that is positioned within the native aortic annulus. Once in situ, the valve is expanded while the heart is rapidly paced. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic and transosophageal guidance and under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic.

Type: Therapeutic

Severe Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a narrowing of the aortic valve restricting the flow. Aortic stenosis is often caused by a build-up of calcium on the valve leaflets, causing them to become stiff and reducing their ability to open and close efficiently. AS is associated with high pressure inside the left ventricle and as a result of the excessive workload, the muscle of the left ventricle hypertrophies. This results in inefficient pumping of blood throughout the body. Left untreated, congestive heart failure develops and death is likely.

• PASC meeting: 6 to 7 December 2018
• ESC meeting: -
• MSAC meeting: -