Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Minimally invasive method to replace the aortic valve in your heart

Dr Ranjit Jagtap Daughter

If you have recently been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, you may feel overwhelmed, making it difficult to take the first step toward treatment. However, the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you will be able to return to your normal life and activities.

TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a less invasive treatment option for severe aortic stenosis that is meant to replace a defective aortic valve.

Previously, this treatment was only offered to those who were too frail to have open heart surgery. Depending on their risk for open heart surgery, various individuals go for TAVR procedure. 

Dr Ranjit Jagtap is a cardiothoracic surgeon in Pune. He explains the process that will help you decide whether TAVR is correct for you.

Why would you undergo TAVR?

Aortic valve stenosis is treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Aortic valve stenosis, also known as aortic stenosis, occurs when the aortic valve of the heart thickens and stiffens. TAVR is an alternative to replace high risk open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery. Patients who undergo TAVR often have a shorter hospital stay than those who have surgical aortic valve replacement.

If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor may advise you to undergo TAVR:

  • Severe aortic stenosis with indications and symptoms.
  • A biological tissue aortic valve that isn’t functioning properly.
  • Another medical problem, such as lung or renal illness, renders open-heart valve replacement surgery too dangerous.

TAVR procedure

A surgeon will carry out the operation. They will decide which sort of anaesthetic is ideal for you based on your health. You may be completely sleepy, or you could be awake but medicine will help you relax and block pain. During the surgery, your heart will continue to beat. This is not the same as open heart surgery, in which your heart is halted and you are placed on a heart and lung blood machine.

TAVR differs from open heart surgery in that it treats a damaged aortic valve in a less intrusive manner. The doctor will replace your valve with optimal procedure, but the most typical technique includes a tiny incision in the leg.

Benefits of TAVR

According to Dr Ranjit Jagtap News, TAVR is the most common procedure for aortic valve replacement. Following are some benefits of having TAVR.

  1. Complications are uncommon

TAVR operations have low rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, stroke, and life-threatening and significant bleeding events.

  1. Compared to surgery, faster recovery

TAVR enables for speedier post-procedure discharge, including direct discharge home.

  1. Quality of Life

TAVR results in higher Quality of Life scores when compared to surgical aortic valve replacements.

  1. Symptom Relievation

In the years following the treatment, the majority of TAVR patients will grow asymptotic and more mobile.

  1. Increased Life Expectancy

TAVR patients had greater odds of survival, even with inoperable categories.

  1. Durability 

The PARTNER studies produced five-year results that demonstrated ongoing durability and outstanding hermodynamic function.

What happens after TAVR

Patients who have had TAVR may not require as much rest as those who have had other surgeries; instead, they may spend 1-2 days in the ICU. A patient has to stay for 2-3 days.

Almost many patients begin walking on the first day and may conduct minor activities within 2-3 days following the surgery, under doctor supervision.

Before leaving the hospital, patients limit their physical activity for a few more days, depending on their health, and when to return to the doctor following the TAVR surgery.

To monitor the patient’s status following TAVR, he or she should undergo a TAVR check every 30 days to a year.

At Dr Ranjit Jagtap Clinic, you will have the facility of cardiac rehabilitation program after the surgery. Various medical professionals will help you to increase your heart endurance and strength. This will help in your recovery on long-term outlook.