Expert Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Gurugram

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram

Overview

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive treatment that replaces a narrowed aortic valve without traditional open-heart surgery. It may help people with severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the heart valve becomes too tight to support normal blood flow.

Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram is one of the best hospitals for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), offering advanced cardiac care guided by experienced specialists and careful clinical assessment. Patients benefit from multidisciplinary planning, modern imaging, personalised support and a strong focus on safety and trust.

Book a consultation at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram to learn whether transcatheter aortic valve replacement is suitable for you.

Why is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Necessary?

A healthy aortic valve allows oxygen-rich blood to leave the heart and reach the body. When this valve becomes severely narrowed or a previous replacement valve fails, treatment may be required to relieve symptoms and reduce strain on the heart.

Conditions That May Require Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

A heart team may consider the treatment for the following conditions:

• Severe aortic stenosis: Calcium deposits stiffen and narrow the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart.
• Symptomatic valve narrowing: Severe aortic stenosis accompanied by breathlessness, chest discomfort or fainting often requires valve replacement.
• High surgical risk: TAVR may be considered when age, frailty or other illnesses increase the risks associated with open-heart surgery.
• Intermediate or low surgical risk: Selected patients may be eligible after the heart team compares TAVR with surgical valve replacement.
• Failed biological valve: A valve-in-valve procedure may treat certain deteriorated tissue valves previously implanted during surgery.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Severe valve narrowing may cause symptoms that gradually limit everyday activities:

• Shortness of breath: Breathing may become difficult during walking, climbing stairs or lying down.
• Chest discomfort: Pressure, tightness or pain may develop when the heart works harder to pump blood.
• Fainting or dizziness: Reduced blood flow can cause light-headedness or a temporary loss of consciousness.
• Unusual fatigue: Routine tasks may become exhausting because the body receives less oxygen-rich blood.
• Palpitations: A person may notice a rapid, irregular or forceful heartbeat.
• Swollen ankles: Fluid may collect in the legs when the heart begins to struggle.

When Other Treatments Are No Longer Enough

Medicines may ease fluid retention or other symptoms, but they cannot reopen a severely narrowed valve. Valve replacement is generally considered when test findings, symptoms and overall health indicate that monitoring or medication alone is no longer sufficient.

Types of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

The access route and valve system are selected according to blood-vessel anatomy and clinical needs:

• Transfemoral approach: The replacement valve is usually delivered through an artery in the groin and advanced towards the heart.
• Alternative arterial access: Another suitable artery may be used when groin arteries are too narrow, diseased or unusually shaped.
• Balloon-expandable valve: A balloon opens the replacement valve at the planned position within the diseased valve.
• Self-expanding valve: The valve frame expands into place after it is released from the delivery catheter.
• Valve-in-valve treatment: A new transcatheter valve may be placed inside a failing biological surgical valve in eligible patients.

Legal and Ethical Requirements in India

Before treatment, the patient or an authorised representative must provide informed consent after receiving an explanation of expected benefits, alternatives and possible risks. The hospital also verifies clinical eligibility, device suitability and applicable regulatory requirements, while protecting the confidentiality of medical information.

Consult the cardiac team at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram for an individual assessment and treatment recommendation.

Risks of Delaying Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis can progress and may become life-threatening, so timely specialist evaluation is essential.

• Heart failure: The overworked heart may weaken and cause breathlessness, swelling or repeated hospital admission.
• Sudden loss of consciousness: Restricted blood flow can lead to fainting, falls and related injuries.
• Abnormal heart rhythms: Pressure and structural changes in the heart may contribute to rhythm disturbances.
• Pulmonary hypertension: Pressure can rise in the blood vessels of the lungs, worsening breathing difficulties.
• Reduced mobility: Increasing fatigue and breathlessness may limit independence and physical conditioning.
• Irreversible heart damage: Prolonged pressure overload may impair heart-muscle function even after the valve is treated.
• Risk of death: Untreated severe symptomatic aortic stenosis carries a serious risk of fatal complications.

Early review allows the heart team to identify the safest treatment window before significant deterioration occurs.

Seek prompt evaluation at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram if valve symptoms are new, worsening or affecting daily life.

Benefits of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

For appropriately selected patients, transcatheter valve replacement may offer several clinical and practical benefits:

• Less invasive treatment: The procedure usually avoids opening the chest and does not typically require a heart-lung bypass machine.
• Improved blood flow: The new valve creates a wider pathway for blood leaving the heart.
• Symptom relief: Many patients experience improvement in breathlessness, fatigue or activity tolerance after recovery.
• Shorter hospital recovery: Hospitalisation is often shorter than after open-heart valve replacement when recovery is uncomplicated.
• Earlier mobilisation: Patients can commonly begin sitting, standing and walking soon after clinical clearance.
• Option for vulnerable patients: The treatment may be suitable for some people whose surgical risk is increased by age or illness.

Results vary according to valve disease, anatomy, general health and complications, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram combines specialist expertise with coordinated care before, during and after treatment:

• Multidisciplinary heart team: Interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists and anaesthesia professionals jointly review each case.
• Detailed diagnostic planning: Advanced cardiac imaging supports accurate valve measurement, access-route selection and procedural planning.
• Modern catheter-based care: Dedicated facilities support minimally invasive structural heart procedures and real-time imaging guidance.
• Individual risk assessment: The team considers symptoms, anatomy, frailty, other illnesses and personal preferences before recommending treatment.
• Coordinated hospital support: Cardiac nursing, critical care, rehabilitation and laboratory services contribute to continuity of care.
• Patient-centred communication: Patients and families receive clear explanations about alternatives, realistic outcomes, risks and follow-up needs.
• Trusted clinical environment: Established care processes and attentive monitoring help patients feel supported throughout treatment.

Preparation for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Heart Team Evaluation

Specialists first determine whether TAVR is appropriate and technically possible.

• Clinical history: Share details of symptoms, previous heart procedures and other health conditions.
• Physical assessment: Expect evaluation of heart function, mobility, frailty and ability to manage daily activities.
• Treatment discussion: Ask how catheter-based replacement compares with surgery or continued medical care in your case.

Tests and Imaging

Pre-procedure tests help the team choose the valve and safest access route.

• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound scan measures valve narrowing and assesses how well the heart pumps.
• CT angiography: Detailed X-ray imaging maps the aortic valve and blood vessels after contrast dye is injected.
• Coronary assessment: Tests may check for narrowed heart arteries that could require treatment.
• Laboratory tests: Blood tests evaluate kidney function, blood counts, clotting and other safety factors.

Medication Planning

Medication instructions must be followed carefully to reduce bleeding and other complications.

• Blood thinners: Do not stop anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines unless the treating team instructs you to do so.
• Diabetes medicines: Ask whether insulin or tablets need adjustment while fasting.
• Medication list: Bring an updated record of prescriptions, non-prescription medicines and supplements.
• Allergy information: Report previous reactions to medicines, contrast dye, latex or anaesthetic drugs.

Health and Infection Checks

Active medical problems may need attention before valve implantation.

• Dental health: Complete any recommended dental review because untreated infection can spread to a heart valve.
• New illness: Inform the team about fever, cough, urinary symptoms, skin infection or recent hospitalisation.
• Kidney protection: Follow hydration and medicine advice if contrast imaging may affect kidney function.

Admission Preparation

The hospital will provide instructions for the day before and the day of treatment.

• Fasting: Stop food and fluids at the specified time to support safe sedation or anaesthesia.
• Personal arrangements: Plan transport, home support and assistance with activities after discharge.
• Essential belongings: Carry identification, reports, medicines and necessary personal items without bringing valuables.

Recovery After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Immediate Monitoring

Close observation after the procedure helps identify early changes in heart rhythm or circulation.

• Vital signs: Staff will monitor blood pressure, oxygen levels, pulse and neurological function.
• Access site: The groin or other catheter-entry area will be checked for bleeding, swelling and circulation problems.
• Heart rhythm: Continuous monitoring can detect electrical conduction changes that occasionally require a pacemaker.

Movement and Activity

Activity usually increases gradually according to clinical advice.

• Early walking: Begin supervised movement when the care team confirms that it is safe.
• Lifting limits: Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until the access site has healed.
• Driving: Resume driving only after medical clearance and when concentration and movement are comfortable.
• Cardiac rehabilitation: Join a supervised recovery programme if recommended to rebuild strength safely.

Medicines and Valve Protection

Discharge medicines help protect the new valve and manage existing heart conditions.

• Prescribed therapy: Take blood-thinning and other medicines exactly as directed without changing doses independently.
• Endocarditis prevention: Maintain dental hygiene and tell healthcare professionals that you have an artificial valve.
• Medication safety: Check with the cardiac team before starting painkillers, supplements or alternative remedies.

Follow-Up Care

Scheduled reviews assess healing, symptoms and replacement-valve function.

• Clinic appointments: Attend all planned reviews even if you feel well.
• Repeat imaging: An echocardiogram may be performed to check blood flow through the new valve.
• Daily observations: Track breathlessness, swelling, weight or reduced activity and report concerning changes.

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Medical Attention

Contact the treating team or seek emergency care if any of the following occurs:

• Stroke symptoms: Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, confusion or speech difficulty requires immediate emergency care.
• Severe breathing difficulty: New or rapidly worsening breathlessness may indicate a serious heart or lung problem.
• Chest pain or fainting: Persistent chest discomfort, collapse or severe dizziness needs urgent assessment.
• Access-site bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding, a rapidly growing lump or a cold painful limb requires immediate attention.
• Possible infection: Fever, chills, wound redness or discharge should be reported promptly.
• Rhythm changes: A very slow, fast or irregular pulse with weakness or dizziness warrants urgent review.

Take the Next Step Towards Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Care

A specialist consultation can clarify the severity of valve disease, available options and whether further testing is needed. Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram is one of the best hospitals for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), with coordinated expertise focused on informed and individualised care.

Bring the following documents to support an efficient consultation:

• Medical records: Carry recent consultation notes, discharge summaries and details of previous heart treatment.
• Imaging reports: Bring echocardiograms, CT scans, angiograms and available image discs.
• Test results: Include recent blood tests, electrocardiograms and other cardiac investigations.
• Medication details: Provide medicine names, doses, schedules and known allergies.
• Identification and coverage: Carry valid identification and relevant insurance or payment documents.

Book your consultation with Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram and receive a personalised evaluation from the heart team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

What are the risks of transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Possible risks include bleeding, blood-vessel injury, stroke, infection, kidney injury, valve leakage and abnormal heart rhythms. Some patients may need a permanent pacemaker, while conversion to emergency surgery is uncommon but possible. Risk depends on age, anatomy, kidney function and other health conditions. The heart team reviews imaging and test results to explain the individual risk profile before consent.

How will I know if I need transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

You may need evaluation if tests show severe aortic stenosis and you have breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting or reduced exercise capacity. An echocardiogram confirms valve severity, while additional imaging assesses anatomy and access vessels. The heart team also considers surgical risk, overall health and personal preferences. TAVR is recommended only when its expected benefits are judged to outweigh its risks.

How can I schedule a consultation at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram?

Contact Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram through its official appointment services and request an evaluation with the cardiac or structural heart team. Mention any diagnosis of aortic stenosis and whether symptoms are worsening. Keep previous scans, reports, discharge records and your medication list ready. If you develop severe chest pain, sudden weakness, fainting or major breathing difficulty, seek emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Which specialists are involved in the procedure?

TAVR is planned and performed by a multidisciplinary heart team. Interventional cardiologists provide catheter-based expertise, while cardiac surgeons help evaluate treatment choices and manage surgical needs. Cardiac imaging specialists guide valve sizing and placement, and anaesthesia professionals support comfort and safety. Nurses, critical care clinicians, rehabilitation professionals and other specialists contribute according to the patient’s health, procedural plan and recovery requirements.

How long does recovery take after transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Recovery varies, but many patients begin walking during their hospital stay and return gradually to routine activities over the following days or weeks. The timeframe depends on the access route, physical condition and whether complications occur. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise remain restricted until medical clearance. Follow-up visits, prescribed medicines and cardiac rehabilitation can support safe recovery, but individual instructions from the treating team take priority.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Eligibility, procedural risks, expected benefits and recovery after transcatheter aortic valve replacement vary for each patient and require individual assessment.