TAVR – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
A minimally invasive treatment for a narrowed aortic valve
The heart has four valves that help blood flow in the correct direction. The aortic valve is one of these important valves. It allows blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Sometimes, the aortic valve becomes narrow and stiff. This condition is called aortic stenosis. Because the valve does not open properly, the heart has to work harder to pump blood.
What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis becomes more common with increasing age. Some people may have no symptoms for a long time. As the disease becomes severe, a person may develop:
- Breathlessness, especially while walking or climbing stairs
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unusual tiredness or reduced ability to do daily activities
- Swelling of the feet or legs
Severe aortic stenosis can become a serious and potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.
What is TAVR (TAVI)?
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
It is also commonly called TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation).
During TAVR, a new artificial valve is mounted on a small flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is usually introduced through an artery in the groin and carefully guided to the heart.
The new valve is positioned inside the diseased aortic valve. Once it is expanded, it starts working immediately and helps blood flow more freely from the heart.
How is TAVR different from open-heart surgery?
Traditional aortic valve replacement requires open-heart surgery. TAVR is performed through a catheter and usually does not require opening the chest or stopping the heart.
Because it is less invasive, many patients can recover more quickly and return to their normal activities sooner. The suitability of TAVR depends on the patient’s age, health, anatomy, valve condition, and other medical factors.
Who may need TAVR?
TAVR is mainly used for patients with severe aortic stenosis who need valve replacement. It may be considered in different groups of patients, including people who are at increased risk with conventional surgery.
Today, TAVR can also be an option for selected patients who are at lower surgical risk. The decision is made after a detailed evaluation by a heart team, usually including cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
What happens before TAVR?
Before the procedure, doctors perform several tests to understand the heart and the patient’s overall health. These may include:
- Echocardiography (2D Echo)
- CT scan of the heart and blood vessels
- ECG
- Blood tests
- Assessment of kidney function and other medical conditions
These tests help the heart team choose the appropriate valve and determine the safest way to perform the procedure.
What happens after TAVR?
Most patients are monitored in the hospital for a few days, depending on their condition and recovery. Medicines and follow-up visits are important after the procedure.
Patients should immediately inform their doctor if they develop symptoms such as severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, fever, or other unusual problems.
The important message
Severe aortic stenosis should not be ignored. If an older person develops unexplained breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, or a significant reduction in exercise capacity, a medical evaluation is important.
TAVR has transformed the treatment of severe aortic stenosis for many patients. It can replace a diseased aortic valve through a catheter-based procedure, avoiding traditional open-heart surgery in appropriate patients.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, speak with a cardiologist or heart team to understand which treatment is most appropriate.
TAVR/TAVI – Latest Treatment of Aortic Valve/Heart Valve Explained by Dr. Tejas V. Patel
Book Your Consultation With a TAVR Specialist in Ahmedabad
If you or your loved one is experiencing valve-related symptoms, don’t delay. Book an appointment with a trusted TAVR specialist in Ahmedabad for expert evaluation and treatment.
More about TAVR
Image Credits: All images are generated by ChatGPT AI and is for representational purpose only.