At the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the TAVI procedure is usually done by a medical team that includes both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. Depending on the day your procedure is booked, the cardiologist and surgeon may be different from the doctor you met at your first appointment.
| Cardiologists: | Cardiac Surgeons: |
|---|---|
| Dr. M. Labinaz | Dr. M. Ruel |
| Dr. C. Glover | Dr. K. Lam |
| Dr. A. Dick | Dr. M. Boodhwani |
| Dr. T. Al-Atassi |
The TAVI Advanced Practice Nurse
While you are waiting for your TAVI procedure, expect to be contacted by the TAVI Advanced Practice Nurse. The TAVI Advanced Practice Nurse will work with you and your family to coordinate your preparation for the procedure and to help you plan for your safe recovery after discharge from the hospital. While you are waiting, the TAVI Nurse is your first contact point and is available by telephone to answer questions or assist as needed.
The TAVI Committee
Once all your appointments and tests are complete your doctor will discuss your particular situation at the TAVI Committee meeting. The TAVI Committee includes all the TAVI doctors along with doctors who specialize in reading X-rays and echocardiograms, the TAVI Advanced Practice Nurse, other nurses, and other support staff.
The purpose of the meeting is to review and discuss all of your information and recommend the best option for treating your aortic stenosis.
Deciding the Best Option
Although the TAVI team makes recommendations, the final decision for your treatment will be made jointly by you and your doctor. Before making your decision, make sure your questions are answered and that you are clear about how the TAVI procedure will help you. See Appendix 2 for a list of questions to ask your doctor.