TAVI Surgery

 

The Safe and Effective Way to Replace Heart Valves

 

At Medi Health India, you will get FREE Customised Personal Medical Assistance

 

 

TAVI Surgery: The Safe and Effective Way to Replace Heart Valves

Heart valve disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have made it possible to replace damaged heart valves without the need for traditional open-heart surgery. One such procedure is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at TAVI surgery and why it's a safe and effective way to replace heart valves.

What is TAVI Surgery?

TAVI surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve, specifically the aortic valve. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the groin or chest, and a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel. The catheter is then guided through the blood vessels and into the heart, where it delivers a new heart valve to replace the damaged one. The new valve is typically made of either bovine tissue or metal, and is designed to function just like a healthy heart valve.

Benefits of TAVI Surgery

One of the main benefits of TAVI surgery is that it is minimally invasive, which means it requires only a small incision and results in less damage to surrounding tissue compared to traditional heart surgery. This can result in a shorter recovery time and less pain for the patient. In fact, many patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure.

Another benefit of TAVI surgery is that it may be an effective option for patients who are considered too high-risk for traditional heart surgery. This includes elderly patients, as well as patients with other health conditions that make them poor candidates for open-heart surgery.

Additionally, TAVI surgery is associated with a lower risk of complications compared to traditional heart surgery. Because the procedure is less invasive, there may be a lower risk of infection, bleeding, and stroke.

Risks of TAVI Surgery

While TAVI surgery is generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. For example, there is a small risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and stroke. Additionally, there is a risk of the new valve becoming dislodged or not functioning properly, which may require additional procedures.

Who is a Candidate for TAVI Surgery?

TAVI surgery may be an option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aortic valve that prevents blood from flowing properly. Patients with aortic stenosis may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications such as heart failure.

In addition to having severe aortic stenosis, candidates for TAVI surgery typically have other factors that make them high-risk for traditional heart surgery, such as advanced age or other health conditions.

How TAVI Surgery is Performed

TAVI surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep during the procedure. The exact method of TAVI surgery can vary depending on the patient's individual needs, but there are two main approaches: transfemoral and transapical.

In the transfemoral approach, a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin and guided up to the heart. This approach is the most common and is often preferred because it is less invasive and typically results in a shorter recovery time.

In the transapical approach, a small incision is made between the ribs on the left side of the chest, and the catheter is inserted directly into the heart through the apex, or the tip of the heart. This approach may be used if the femoral artery is too small or blocked.

After the new valve is placed, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed. Most patients will spend a few days in the hospital for observation and recovery before being discharged.

Benefits of TAVI Surgery for High-Risk Patients

One of the most significant benefits of TAVI surgery is that it offers a minimally invasive option for patients who are considered high-risk for traditional open-heart surgery. This includes elderly patients, as well as those with other medical conditions such as lung disease, kidney disease, or prior heart surgeries.

For these patients, TAVI surgery may be a safer and more effective option than traditional surgery. Studies have shown that TAVI surgery results in a lower mortality rate compared to traditional surgery, particularly in high-risk patients.

TAVI Surgery and Quality of Life

In addition to reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, TAVI surgery can significantly improve a patient's quality of life. This is particularly true for elderly patients, who may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of heart valve disease.

In fact, studies have shown that TAVI surgery can improve a patient's physical and mental health, as well as their ability to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and taking care of themselves.

 

Conclusion

TAVI surgery is a safe and effective way to replace damaged or diseased heart valves without the need for traditional open-heart surgery. By using a minimally invasive approach, TAVI surgery can offer high-risk patients a safer option with a lower risk of complications compared to traditional heart surgery.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis or another heart valve condition, TAVI surgery may be an option worth considering. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With advances in medical technology, there are more options than ever before for treating heart valve disease, and TAVI surgery is an exciting and promising option for many patients.

If you are in need of medical treatment in India, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team can provide you with doctor opinions, treatment plans, and cost estimates via WhatsApp or Viber at +917827282231. Additionally, we offer personalized assistance services during your medical trip to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.