Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR is a procedure for treating aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement specialists will recommend this procedure when the aortic valve narrows. When you have aortic stenosis, your heart has to work harder than usual, as the condition curtails the typical blood flow to the body. It can result in chest pain or shortness of breath. To cure this, doctors recommend TAVR. It enables the TAVR experts in India to install a device in the heart valve without a bypass.

Who Qualifies for It?

Undergoing a bypass is scary. However, TAVR is a less invasive treatment, making it a viable alternative for many patients.

TAVR experts in India may recommend this for

1. Patients 60+ at high risk from open-heart surgery
2. Patients with severe aortic stenosis at low surgical risk.

Note: TAVR is just as effective or sometimes better than surgery for active and younger patients.People should opt for TAVR because

1. It ensures higher blood flow performance.
2. It has lower mortality rates.
3. It guarantees shorter hospital stays.

Note: The patient is discharged from the hospital within 48 hours.

Procedure

As apparent, TAVR is an alternative treatment to traditional open-heart surgery.

People prefer TAVR because

1. It is done through minor openings.
2. Your chest bones are left in place.
3. You will not have any large incisions.

The procedure conducted by transcatheter aortic valve replacement specialists involves

1. Giving the patient general anaesthesia.
2. Next, surgeon makes a small cut in the leg or groin.
3. They then insert a catheter into a blood vessel.
4. This thin, flexible tube may go via the collarbone, neck, stomach, or chest.
5. Surgeons guide the catheter with a replacement valve to the heart.
6. They carefully place the new valve inside the old one.
7. The doctor removes catheter after checking the new valve for leaks or issues.

TAVR Risks

Every medical procedure has some degree of risk. Many associated complications may demand extra surgical or medical intervention. So, please speak to your doctor to ensure you fully understand the risks and how they outweigh the benefits.

Some commonly involved risks include

1. Blood vessel damage
2. Kidney failure
3. Stroke
4. Heart attack
5. Leaking in the replacement valve

Preparing for the TAVR

Some tips to prepare for this procedure are

1. Follow a healthy diet plan.
2. Discuss when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
3. Let the doctor know about your ongoing medications.
4. Your doctor may want you to avoid some medicines a day before the surgery.
5. Have a recovery plan, including at-home care after discharge.
6. Undergo a thorough dental examination before the procedure, as oral bacteria can infect the heart valve.

What to Expect After the TAVR surgery?

Here’s what happens after the surgery

1. Hospital stays after TAVR usually last a few days.
2. Initial recovery occurs in the ICU or recovery room.
3. Patients are then moved to regular rooms.
4. Medicines to prevent blood clots and infection are given in the hospital.
5. Doctors provide recovery instructions before discharge.
6. Most patients return to daily activities, like exercise and driving, within weeks.
7. Many notice symptom relief within 30 days of the procedure.

Results

TAVR will help lower the symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and boost your quality of life.

To recover from the surgery, follow a healthy lifestyle. It can help prevent other heart concerns.

After TAVR surgery

1. Do not smoke.
2. Get regular exercise.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
4. Reduce salt intake.
5. Avoid trans and saturated fat.
6. Maintain a healthy body weight.

Why Some People Must Not Undergo TAVR?

While TAVR has several benefits, there are better procedures for everyone.

It is not for the following people

1. Those who had a heart attack in the past month.
2. People with congenital disabilities or similar heart issues.
3. Anyone who has a space too small for the new valve.
4. Those with severe weakening of heart sections.
5. Patients with mitral regurgitation or other valve issues.
6. Anyone who had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack.
7. People with severe kidney diseases.

Bottom Line

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure. It has significant benefits for patients with aortic stenosis. Dr Raghu, an expert TAVR specialist from Hyderabad, provides skilled care and expertise in this life-enhancing treatment.