Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Are you or someone you know facing the daunting diagnosis of aortic valve narrowing? If so, fear not! There is a groundbreaking solution that might just change your outlook on cardiac treatments.
Welcome to Dr. Sudhanshu J. Agnihotri the Best Heart Specialist in Indore blog post where we dive deep into the world of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) – the minimally invasive procedure that’s revolutionizing cardiovascular care.
Join us as we find out everything you need to know about TAVR and how it can offer hope, healing, and a new lease on life for those battling this common heart condition.
Introduction to TAVR
Aortic valve narrowing, or aortic valve stenosis, is a condition in which the aortic valve doesn’t open fully. This can reduce or block the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. Aortic valve stenosis can lead to serious health problems, including heart failure and death.
TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is a minimally invasive treatment for aortic valve stenosis. TAVR is an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for people who have aortic valve stenosis and are at high risk for complications from surgery.
During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, a catheter (thin tube) is inserted through an incision in the leg or chest and threaded through the blood vessels to the heart. The new valve is then placed inside the old, damaged valve and expanded to fit securely. Once in place, the new valve should allow normal blood flow through the heart.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is generally considered safe and effective. However, as with any procedure, there are risks involved. These include stroke, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding tissue. TAVR is typically performed by interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiac anesthesiologists working together as a team.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Aortic stenosis is a progressive condition, meaning it typically worsens over time. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure.
What Causes Aortic Stenosis?
Several things can cause the aortic valve to become narrowed, including:
Congenital Defects
Some people are born with a defective aortic valve that is narrower than normal. This is usually not noticed until later in life when it starts to cause symptoms.
Calcium Deposits
Over time, calcium deposits can build up on the aortic valve, causing it to become narrow. This is more common in older adults.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the aortic valve (aortitis) can also cause narrowing of the valve. This is more common in people with certain autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Infection
Infection of the aortic valve (endocarditis) is another possible cause of aortic stenosis. This is more likely to occur in people who have had previous heart surgery or who have artificial valves.
What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve narrowing or aortic valve stenosis. The aortic valve is the heart’s main valve, and it regulates the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Aortic valve stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through. TAVR is performed by threading a catheter, or thin tube, through an artery in the groin up to the heart.
Once in place, the catheter is used to deliver a new aortic valve to replace the narrow one. The new valve opens and closes just like a normal valve, allowing blood to flow freely through it.
Benefits of (TAVR)
There are many benefits to TAVR, the minimally invasive solution for aortic valve narrowing. One of the main benefits is that it allows patients to avoid open heart surgery, which can be very invasive and have a long recovery time.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is also much less expensive than traditional open heart surgery. Additionally, TAVR has a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time. Patients who undergo TAVR typically return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Another benefit of TAVR is that it is less risky than open heart surgery. The risks associated with TAVR are low, and there are very few complications. Additionally, TAVR is an effective treatment for patients with aortic valve stenosis who are considered high risk for open heart surgery.
Risks of TAVR
There are some risks associated with TAVR, as with any surgery. These include bleeding, infection, and stroke. There is also a small risk of the new valve not working properly or of leakage occurring around the valve. In very rare cases, the individual may need to have open-heart surgery to repair or replace the new valve.
Who are Good Candidates for TAVR?
The best candidates for TAVR are patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who are at high risk for open heart surgery. Patients who are not good candidates for TAVR include those with significant aortic valve regurgitation, active endocarditis, or severe left ventricular dysfunction. Patients with mild or moderate aortic valve stenosis may be considered for TAVR if they are at high risk for open heart surgery.
How to Prepare for TAVR
If you’re scheduled to have TAVR, the Best Heart Specialist in Indore team will give you specific instructions on how to prepare. The night before your procedure, you should:
- Shower with an Antiseptic Soap. Your doctor or nurse will give you a special soap to use the night before and the morning of your procedure.
- Shave the Area Around the Incision Site. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
- Arrange for Someone to Drive You Home After the Procedure. You won’t be able to drive yourself home after TAVR.
On the Day of Your Procedure
- Eat a Light Breakfast. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
- Take Your Medications as Usual Unless Your Healthcare Team Tells You Otherwise. If you take blood thinners, your doctor will likely stop them a few days before your TAVR so that your blood can clot normally during the procedure.
Recovery After
When it comes to TAVR or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, there are a few things you should know about the recovery process. For starters, most people who undergo the procedure can expect to go home within a day or two. Additionally, many patients report feeling better almost immediately after the surgery.
Of course, as with any surgery, there is always a period of adjustment and healing that takes place after TAVR. During this time, it is important to follow the Best Heart Specialist Doctor in Indore instructions for activity and diet. Additionally, you may need to take medication to manage pain or other symptoms.
The recovery process after TAVR is typically quite smooth and uncomplicated. Most people feel significant relief from their symptoms and can return to their normal activities relatively quickly. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, be sure to talk to Dr. Sudhanshu J. Agnihotri Heart Specialist in Indore.