Arwyp Medical Centre Now a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation TAVI Network Provider
Arwyp Medical Centre is proud to be an accredited private hospital on the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) TAVI Network, authorised to perform Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures within the network. The accreditation marks an important milestone in Arwyp’s continued commitment to providing patients with access to specialised cardiac care closer to home.
Eligible patients may be able to access TAVI at Arwyp, subject to their individual Discovery Health Medical Scheme benefits, network requirements, clinical suitability and pre-authorization.
What is TAVI?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve, a condition known as aortic stenosis. Unlike traditional open-heart valve replacement surgery, TAVI generally does not require the chest to be opened. A replacement valve is delivered through a catheter, usually through an artery in the groin, and positioned within the existing aortic valve.
TAVI may be considered for selected patients with severe aortic stenosis, including patients for whom conventional surgery may carry increased risks. The most appropriate treatment depends on each patient’s individual clinical circumstances and is determined following a detailed assessment by their cardiologist and multidisciplinary care team.
Bringing specialised cardiac care closer to home For Arwyp, inclusion in the DHMS TAVI Network supports the hospital’s commitment to making advanced cardiac services more accessible to the communities it serves.
“This accreditation is an important milestone for Arwyp and reinforces our commitment to bringing advanced healthcare services closer to the communities we serve,” says Dr Estelle le Roux, CEO of Arwyp Medical Centre.
As with any cardiac intervention, patient selection and clinical assessment are essential.
An Arwyp cardiologist adds: “TAVI can be an important treatment option for selected patients with severe aortic stenosis, particularly where conventional surgery may present increased risks. However, every patient is different, and a comprehensive assessment is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment.”
What does this mean for patients?
Arwyp’s inclusion in the DHMS TAVI Network means that eligible members can access TAVI at an accredited network hospital, subject to their specific Discovery Health Medical Scheme benefits, network rules and pre-authorization requirements.
Network participation may help eligible patients manage healthcare costs, but it does not necessarily mean that all treatment-related costs will be covered. Patients should confirm their benefits, network requirements, applicable co-payments and pre-authorisation requirements with Discovery Health Medical Scheme before proceeding with treatment.
When should you seek medical advice?
Symptoms associated with aortic stenosis may include breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor or cardiologist for appropriate assessment.
Patients considering TAVI should discuss their individual clinical circumstances with their cardiologist and confirm their medical aid benefits, network requirements and pre-authorisation with Discovery Health Medical Scheme before proceeding.
Our Cardiologists
If you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis or would like to discuss your cardiac health, speak to one of our cardiologists for an assessment. View our cardiologists: Click here.
Clinical suitability for TAVI is determined by the treating medical team. Medical aid coverage is subject to the patient’s applicable benefits, network requirements and pre-authorisation.
“Our inclusion in the DHMS TAVI Network supports our commitment to expanding access to specialised cardiac care closer to home”. – Dr. Estelle le Roux
