TAVR/TAVI

TAVR/TAVI

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/ Implantation (TAVR/ TAVI) 

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat aortic valve stenosis. The procedure involves the replacement of a thickened aortic valve that can't fully open (aortic valve stenosis) with a new valve.

The aortic valve is present between the left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) and the body's main artery (aorta) and the blood flow from the heart to the body is diminished if the valve does not open properly. Aortic valve stenosis, also known as aortic stenosis, occurs when the aortic valve of the heart thickens and stiffens (calcifies). As a result, the valve is unable to fully open, limiting blood flow to the body. Aortic valve stenosis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and exhaustion. TAVR can help restore blood flow and lessen the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis.

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure is an alternative to open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery. People who are at risk from surgical aortic valve replacement (open-heart surgery) can benefit from TAVR. TAVR patients often spend less time in the hospital than those who get surgical aortic valve replacement as TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure.

TAVR procedure

• A defective aortic valve is replaced with one made from cow or pig heart tissue in this procedure. The biological tissue valve (the new valve) is sometimes inserted into the valve that is no longer functional.

• TAVR uses fewer incisions and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to reach the heart, unlike surgical aortic valve replacement, which needs a lengthy incision along the chest (open-heart surgery).

• A doctor inserts a catheter into a blood artery in the groyne or chest area and directs it into the heart to perform TAVR. Moving X-ray images or echocardiography images assist the clinician in properly positioning the catheter.

• A replacement valve consisting of cow or pig tissue is inserted into the aortic valve using the hollow catheter. To force the new valve into position, a balloon on the catheter tip inflates. Some valves do not require the use of a balloon to expand.

• Once the new valve is safely in place, the doctor removes the catheter.

• During the TAVR procedure, your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and respiration, may be closely monitored by the treatment team.

• After your procedure, you may be recommended to stay the night in the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring. 

• The length of time you must spend in the hospital after TAVR is determined by a variety of factors. 

• Some people with TAVR are able to return home the same day.

• Your treatment team may go over how to care for any incisions and how to look for signs and symptoms of infection before you leave the hospital.

Medications that doctors recommend at CARE Hospitals are as follows:

• Blood thinners are drugs used as anticoagulants. To prevent blood clots, blood-thinning medicine is recommended. Your doctor may tell you how long you should take this medication. One should have the medication according to the prescription.

• Antibiotics- Bacterial infections can occur in artificial heart valves. The majority of germs that cause heart valve infections originate in the mouth. Routine dental cleanings, as well as good oral hygiene, can help avoid these diseases. Antibiotics are often recommended prior to dental operations.

Complications/ risks associated with TAVR

There are a lot of risks associated with the TAVR. The following are some of the potential dangers of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR):

• Bleeding

• Blood vessel complications

• Problems with the valve replacement. It is called the valve slipping out of place or leaking.

• Stroke

• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) 

• Kidney disease

• Pacemaker

• Heart attack

• Infection

• Death

Why Choose CARE Hospitals for TAVR

CARE Hospitals is India's premier hospital for Cardiac Conditions because of its staff of world-class surgeons, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare specialists. Our doctors are well-trained and come with vast experience. We strive to provide our patients with minimally invasive procedures that result in shorter recovery times and hospital stays, as well as end-to-end care and support. 

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