Recovery and Lifestyle After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is being increasingly used as an alternative to surgical AV replacement. It is used to treat aortic valve stenosis. The aortic valve lies in the pathway of blood that passes through the heart. However, for those with aortic stenosis, the valves are too narrow and stiff. As a result, they will not open or close as required. Thus, makes heart difficult to pump the blood in whole body.

It causes feelings of fatigue or shortness of breath in the patients. According to the top TAVI expert in India, being overweight or obese is one of the highest risk factors that can lead to a heart attack. There is no cure. Once a person has stenosis, the only treatment is to have their valve replaced. It requires open-heart surgery. Physicians may also suggest a less-invasive but equally efficacious alternative, TAVR.

Hospital Stay After TAVR

Most patients can go home the same day they have the procedure. In some cases though, patients might leave the hospital the next day.

The hospital stay is extended in the case of TAVR via a chest incision. Usually, it lasts for a few days.

What Happens After TAVR?

1. After the procedure, you’ll feel pain or discomfort where the cut was made.
2. The nurse will check on your pain and try to keep you comfortable.
3. Some symptoms may continue even after the procedure.
4. Usually, it takes a few days for the symptoms to improve and disappear.
5. Often, patients have a better quality of life in a month.
6. Things may be at their best in about six months.

Transfemoral Groin Approach

Care Measures

1. When you go home, a bandage will cover the catheter insertion (wound) site.
2. Always wash your hands before touching the incision.
3. Remove the dressing the following day, preferably in the shower when wet.
4. After removing the dressing, apply a small adhesive bandage. Expect some bruising, slight swelling, or a small lump at the site.
5. Clean the area with soap and water daily. Gently wash the insertion site without rubbing.
6. Keep the area clean and dry, except while showering.
7. Avoid applying lotions or ointments.
8. Wear breathable clothing.
9. Do not swim or bathe until the wound heals completely.

Activity

1. Don’t push too hard for 3 to 4 days when you go to the bathroom. This helps prevent bleeding at the cut site.
2. For 5 to 7 days, don’t pick up anything heavy (over 10 pounds) or do any strenuous activities.
3. Stairs are acceptable, but move slowly.
4. Gradually return to normal activities within a week.
5. Refrain from driving and sexual intercourse until your doctor approves.
6. Discuss Stage II cardiac rehabilitation with your doctor during your follow-up visit.

Transapical or Transaortic Approach

Care Measures

1. Clean the incision daily with non-perfumed soap and water. Gently cleanse without rubbing.
2. Wash hands before touching the incision.
3. Keep the area clean and dry, except while showering.
4. Avoid creams, lotions, or ointments on the incision.
5. Do not bathe, soak, or swim until the incision fully heals.

Activity

1. Avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for eight weeks.
2. Wait to drive until your doctor clears you.
3. Walk daily, gradually increasing effort and duration.
4. Refrain from strenuous activities until approved by your doctor.
5. Delay sexual activity until your doctor says it’s safe.
6. Ask about Stage II cardiac rehabilitation during your follow-up.

Lifestyle Changes

TAVR experts in India recommend some lifestyle changes to get the best results from the procedure. You can work with your healthcare team to help you recover faster.

Ideally, you must:

1. Get regular exercise
2. Make alterations in the foods you eat
3. Take medications as prescribed
4. Quit smoking
5. Keep up with follow-up appointments

Medications after TAVR

1. Consult the TAVI experts in India about medicines you must take after the procedure.
2. You will have to start some new medications and quit some you took before the procedure.
3. If diabetic, check if you need to adjust your diabetes medications post-procedure.
4. Take a daily “baby aspirin” (81 mg) and possibly clopidogrel (Plavix) for 30 days.

Inform your cardiologist if you cannot take these medications or have had recent bleeding issues.

Preventing Valve Infections

TAVR experts in India say that patients are often susceptible to developing infective endocarditis. It is a deadly infection and affects the heart valves.

To prevent the infection

1. Take care of your gums and teeth.
2. Take antibiotics before undergoing invasive procedures or dental work.
3. Treat infections instantly

Bottom Line

So, with the tips and recommendations above, recovery from TAVR or TAVI will be seamless. If you need a detailed insight into the procedure, risks, costs, and after-care, you can speak to Dr. Raghu, a proficient cardiologist from Hyderabad. He will guide you in the best possible manner.