Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Without Open-Heart Surgery: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a revolutionary medical treatment used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve of the heart narrows and restricts blood flow. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that includes threading a replacement valve through a catheter, which is commonly placed through a small incision in the leg or chest, and inserting it within the damaged valve. This innovative strategy has transformed the treatment of aortic valve disorders, allowing patients who might not have been candidates for surgery to recover faster and with fewer complications.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is another term for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a method that can be used instead of open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery. People who get TAVR frequently have a shorter hospital stay than those who have aortic valve replacement surgery. If you are looking for the treatment of open heart surgery. Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao is a renowned cardiac surgeon with a wealth of expertise and experience in performing complex heart procedures. His passion for patient care and skill in the field of cardiac surgery have won him an outstanding reputation among patients and professionals worldwide. He may recommend TAVR if you have:
- Severe aortic stenosis produces symptoms such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
- An aortic biological tissue valve that isn’t working properly.
- Another health condition such as kidney and lung disease, makes open-heart valve replacement surgery too risky.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
To begin, it is critical to comprehend the problem that TAVR is intended to address, aortic stenosis. The aortic valve is the final component of the heart that blood travels through before entering the aorta and circulating throughout the body. The aortic valve has three leaflet flaps that open and close. The aortic valve opens to allow blood to flow from the heart into the aorta and then shuts to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart when it is functioning normally.
Calcium deposits can form on the valve’s leaflets over time, making the valve more difficult to open. This plus additional strain on the heart, can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain with exertion. In severe circumstances, Aortic Stenosis can cause cardiac muscle weakness. The illness can be harmful if left untreated.
Open Heart Surgery: Traditional Aortic Stenosis Treatment
Once Aortic Stenosis is diagnosed and symptoms are present, it needs to be treated. The gold standard for treating Aortic Stenosis in the past has been open-heart surgery with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). A significant operation in which the surgeon opens the chest to access the heart is known as open heart surgery. The heart is stopped during open-heart surgery, and blood is bypassed via a heart-lung machine. The diseased valve is removed and a replacement artificial valve is attached into place using SAVR.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement has had good outcomes in patients who are suitable candidates for surgery. However, SAVR has a lengthy recovery period, requiring five to seven days in the hospital following surgery and up to six weeks to make a full recovery. Furthermore, many patients require Aortic Valve Replacement but have too many other medical issues that prohibit them from being candidates for SAVR.
TAVR: A Catheter-Based Treatment for Aortic Stenosis
TAVR is conducted by inserting a catheter into the femoral artery, a major blood vessel in the groin. A new heart valve is inserted through the original catheter in the blood vessel and across the damaged aortic valve on another catheter. The replacement valve is installed by pushing the old valve leaflets to the side. The new valve leaflets begin working immediately. In most situations, the treatment lasts 90 minutes and is conducted under sedative medicines rather than general Anesthesia. Many patients can be discharged on the same day and are usually able to resume normal activities within a week.
Benefits and Risks of TAVR
The first TAVR clinical trials, which began in 2007, tested TAVR in patients who were too sick for SAVR. These trials have shown a benefit in improving the quality and length of life of people with severe Aortic Stenosis. Since then, trials have been conducted comparing TAVR to SAVR in individuals who are classified as high-risk or intermediate-risk for standard SAVR. In each of these studies, TAVR was shown to be no worse or even better than SAVR. Due to the fast recovery with TAVR, it quickly became the standard of care for patients with AS who were at intermediate or high surgical risk.
The most recent TAVR news covers clinical trials undertaken on the healthiest individuals; that is, patients who are considered low-risk surgical candidates. The FDA is expected to approve TAVR in low-risk patients in the near future. When this happens, TAVR will be the standard therapy for all Aortic Stenosis patients. While TAVR provides several advantages there are hazards, as with any major heart treatment. These risks may include stroke, heart attack, bleeding, and the need for emergency surgery, but these risks are low. There is also the possibility of damage to the electrical system of the heart, which could necessitate the implantation of a permanent pacemaker.
Is TAVR Right for You?
As compelling as TAVR may sound if your aortic valve needs to be replaced, it may not be appropriate for everyone. For instance, some individuals have heart valve anatomy that may make SAVR a better option for them. If your aortic valve needs to be replaced, you should be assessed by a heart team that includes your clinical cardiologist, interventional cardiologist, and cardiac surgeon. Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao and the heart team of Rajasthan Hospital Jaipur will evaluate you and review all of your relevant medical information. They will offer treatment options and will discuss the benefits and risks of the options with you.