TAVI in Puerto Vallarta

TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) replaces a damaged aortic valve without opening the chest, guiding the new valve to the heart through a catheter.

TAVI vs. open-heart surgery

• Less invasive, with faster recovery.
• Lower risk of surgical complications, such as infection or bleeding.
• Performed under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, not always general anesthesia.
• Shorter hospital stay.
• A viable option for high-risk patients who don’t qualify for open-heart surgery.

Who is a candidate for TAVI?

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (confirmed by echocardiogram and catheterization), advanced age, or high surgical risk, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or fainting. A multidisciplinary team of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons evaluates each case individually.

How is the procedure performed?

A small incision is made in the groin or chest to introduce a catheter to the damaged aortic valve, guided by real-time imaging. The new valve — we use the Edwards Sapien 3, and optionally the Medtronic Evolut R — is then deployed inside the existing one. After the procedure, the patient is monitored in the Intensive Care Unit.

What is recovery like?

Most patients can get up and walk the next day. The hospital stay is usually a few days. Follow-up includes appointments with your cardiologist, possible anticoagulants, gradually increasing physical activity, and a low-sodium diet.

Where can I see a cardiologist?

All three of our hospitals offer cardiology services, with 24/7 emergency care.

Content reviewed by Dr. Leonel Molina, cardiologist at Hospital CMQ · Published: August 2026.