Transcatheter aortic valve implantation or transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to replace an aortic valve which is narrowed or does not open fully.
During this minimally invasive procedure, a new valve is inserted without removing the old valve, instead it is inserted inside the diseased valve. After the TAVI procedure, once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the old valve leaflets out of the way and the tissue in the replacement valve starts regulating the blood flow.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is generally done for the management of aortic valve stenosis. In this condition, the aortic valve becomes thicker and stiffer which causes reduced blood flow to the body.
Your doctor may recommend TAVI surgery for you if you have any of the following conditions:
Even though Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) surgery has many benefits, some people may have certain conditions or circumstances they shouldn’t undergo TAVI. Following are the conditions in which TAVI is contraindicated:
The following are the benefits of TAVI surgery:
It is a minimally invasive procedure compared to other open heart surgeries:
The following are the possible risks associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation:
During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Surgery, your cardiologist will replace your damaged valve with a biological tissue valve (valve made from cow or pig heart tissue). Sometimes your doctor will insert the new valve into the existing valve which is no longer active.
Your cardiologist will make a small incision in your chest and a flexible hollow tube called a catheter is inserted through this incision. Usually, they will insert a catheter into your blood vessels, mainly in the groin or chest area. Using an X-ray or other image-guiding tube, the doctor will guide the catheter to the location of the aortic valve in the heart.
The cardiologist sends a biological tissue valve through this catheter and places it in the area of the aortic valve. A balloon in the catheter tips expands the catheter and places the new valve into its respective position. There are some replacement valves available that expand without the use of a balloon. Once the new valve is kept in place, the doctor will remove the catheter.
Throughout the procedure, your cardiologist will monitor your heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure and respiration.
The recovery period may vary in different individuals based on your overall health. Usually, patients can leave the hospital within one day after TAVI surgery. Within some days after the procedure, you can resume normal activities but in some people, the recovery time may be prolonged. Discuss in detail the things that have to be followed for a faster recovery after TAVI surgery.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation or transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to replace an aortic valve which is narrowed or which does not open fully. It is the most common method for the management of aortic valve stenosis. It is a life-saving technique for people who have medical conditions that limit them to perform open heart surgeries. Compared to other heart surgeries TAVI has a faster healing, greater survival rate and reduced hospital stay.
Q: What is TAVI surgery?
A: TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure carried out to replace an aortic valve which is narrowed and does not open fully with a biological tissue valve.
Q: Is TAVI a major surgery?
A: No, TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that needs minimal incisions. However, it may lead to some complications in a similar way as the major surgery results.
Q: Is TAVI surgery painful?
A: People may experience slight pain and discomfort in the area where the catheter is inserted. But it is much less as compared to the pain you experience after undergoing open heart surgeries.
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