TAVI/TAVR

TAVI/TAVR

Introduction

A healthy heart maintains regular blood flow in all four chambers. Its four valves, which open and close between heartbeats, have this function. The Aortic Valve opens, allowing blood to leave the heart and travel throughout the body. Its function is disrupted when the aortic valve narrows due to aortic Stenosis. Aortic Valve Disease, namely Aortic Stenosis, is a dangerous disease that limits the aortic valve’s ability to open and move freely and fully.

Aortic Stenosis is a primary global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. When treating severe aortic valve dysfunction, open heart surgery has always been the recommended course of action. However, many patients cannot afford to have such an intrusive treatment done, especially those who are considered high-risk or incurable. The field of aortic valve disease treatment has seen a revolutionary shift with the introduction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) treatments. Apollo Hospitals, a leader in healthcare innovation, leads the way in this. Let’s examine TAVI/TAVR’s nuances and discover why it has revolutionized the field of cardiovascular care.

What is TAVR/TAVI?

A minimally invasive technique called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) replaces a malfunctioning Aortic Valve without requiring open cardiac surgery. In contrast to conventional surgical methods that need a sternotomy or significant chest incision, transcatheter-assisted valve replacement (TAVR) entails threading a replacement valve through a catheter, which is often put into the femoral artery or via a minor chest incision.

To successfully restore normal blood flow, the replacement valve is placed after being directed to the site of the damaged valve during the surgery. The entire procedure is carried out using imaging techniques, such as echocardiography or fluoroscopy, which enable accurate prosthetic valve implantation. This method has several benefits, including quicker recovery periods, a lower chance of problems, and better results for high-risk patients who might not be good candidates for conventional surgery.

Why Is It Done?

If a patient has severe aortic stenosis and is at high risk of complications from open-heart surgery, TAVI/TAVR offers a less intensive option to standard surgical valve replacement. These procedures restore appropriate blood flow without needing cardiac bypass or large surgical incisions by implanting a replacement valve into the damaged native valve. TAVI/TAVR may be a safer option for patients who are considered high-risk for standard surgery, such as elderly patients or those with several comorbidities. This method, as opposed to traditional surgery, is linked to quicker recovery periods, lower rates of morbidity, and better patient outcomes.

What are Some of the Reasons One Shouldn’t Undergo TAVI/TAVR Surgery?

When a previously replaced valve begins to fail or even when a patient is deemed unfit for open heart surgery because of lung or kidney problems, surgeons choose TAVI/TAVR. Patients with aortic stenosis who are not suitable candidates for open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery may thus benefit from transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Certain circumstances or conditions prevent some patients from undergoing this surgery. The most frequent causes of this, referred to as contraindications, are as follows:

• Had a heart attack in the previous month.
• Congenital cardiac defects, or conditions related to them, are conditions that exist at birth.
• If the replacement valve is too small to fit in the intended location.
• Severe atrophy of cardiac muscle in specific areas.
• Further issues with the heart valve, such as mitral regurgitation.
• Recent ischemic attack or transient stroke (TIA).
• Severe damage to the renal system.

What are the Benefits of TAVI/TAVR?

Patients with aortic valve disease may find transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to be an appealing alternative due to its many advantages over conventional open-heart surgery:

• Smaller incisions are made during TAVR/TAVI procedures, which lessens physical harm to the body and speeds up healing.
• For individuals who are considered high-risk or unsuitable for open-heart surgery because of their old age or underlying medical issues, it is a safer substitute.
• When TAVR/TAVI is used instead of standard surgery, patients usually have shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
• Clinical research has demonstrated that TAVR/TAVI is just as successful as surgical valve replacement in terms of symptom relief and survival extension.
• TAVR/TAVI’s minimally invasive nature decreases patients’ pain and discomfort following surgery.
• TAVR/TAVI improves patients’ quality of life overall by enabling them to resume daily activities sooner, with fewer problems, and with a speedier recovery.

TAVI/TAVR Procedures – The Apollo Edge

Patients with Aortic Valve Dysfunction may expect the best possible outcomes from TAVI/TAVR surgeries performed at Apollo Hospitals. This can be attributed to our unmatched experience and state-of-the-art equipment. Apollo Hospitals provides comprehensive care throughout the TAVI/TAVR journey with a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists.

Apollo Hospitals has one of the highest success rates in the world for TAVI/TAVR surgeries, owing to thorough patient selection, the most advanced procedural methods, and individualized postoperative care. Clinical results that regularly reach or surpass worldwide standards regarding mortality rates, complication rates, and long-term valve durability attest to Apollo’s dedication to the highest standards in cardiovascular care. In addition, Apollo Hospitals prioritizes innovation and research, constantly pushing the limits of TAVI/TAVR technology to enhance patient results and increase available treatment choices. Apollo stays at the forefront of transcatheter valve treatment innovations by taking part in clinical studies and working with top industry partners, guaranteeing that patients receive the most advanced and efficient treatments possible.

How Successful are TAVI/TAVR Procedures? 

After a TAVI/TAVR procedure, most patients find that their symptoms improve and they are able to perform more in their everyday lives. After the procedure, fewer people could experience problems. The risk changes based on your unique cardiac disease as well as your general health. Making healthy lifestyle adjustments, such as the following, can lower your risk of TAVI and increase your chances of long-term success:

• Consuming a healthier diet
• Increasing your level of physical activity
• Giving up the smokes
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Taking medication as directed
• Maintaining healthy teeth and gums (since this is the main way that germs enter the bloodstream)

Conclusion

With TAVI/TAVR, open cardiac surgery is no longer the only option for treating aortic valve dysfunction; it is now a safer and less invasive treatment. For many patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVI/TAVR has become the standard treatment because of its shown effectiveness, shortened recovery periods, and improved patient outcomes. Patients with cardiovascular diseases can find hope and recovery at Apollo Hospitals, thanks to the exceptional competence and dedication to perfection displayed in the performance of these cutting-edge operations.