A Comprehensive Guide to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

When blood is pumped from your heart to the rest of your body, the aortic valve typically opens. The inability of the aortic valve to open and close properly is known as aortic stenosis. This illness causes your heart to work harder than usual and can cause shortness of breath, swelling ankles, chest pain, dizziness, and occasional blackouts. The standard course of treatment for persons with aortic valve issues is open heart valve surgery. Open heart surgery, however, could be viewed as being too hazardous for persons who are too unwell or who have numerous other medical issues.

Aortic valves can be placed using a long, narrow tube known as a catheter thanks to a method called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Introduction to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

A minimally invasive cardiac treatment called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is used to replace an inadequately functioning thickening aortic valve (aortic valve stenosis). The body's main artery and the left lower heart chamber are where you'll find the aortic valve (aorta). Reduced blood flow from the heart to the body results from improper valve opening.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and weariness are some of the indications and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis that can be lessened with TAVR.

For those who run the risk of problems from surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR may be an option (open-heart surgery). After consulting with a group of heart and heart surgery professionals to identify the best course of action for you, the decision to treat aortic stenosis with TAVR is made.

Another name for transcatheter aortic valve replacement is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Indications for TAVI

Blood passes sequentially via each of your heart's four valves. The aortic valve is the fourth and final valve. Blood is pumped from your heart through that valve and into the rest of your body. With the aid of TAVR, that valve can be changed without extensive surgery.

If you have aortic stenosis, which narrows the aortic valve or the area around it, you are most likely to need TAVR. Usually, if you're over 70, age-related wear and tear on the valve and calcium buildup are to blame for that constriction. Some medical issues may also contribute to it.

A treatment for stenosis of the aortic valve is transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or TAVI. When the heart's aortic valve thickens and stiffens, the condition known as aortic stenosis results (calcifies). Due to the valve's inability to fully open, the body receives less blood flow.

Open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery is an alternative to TAVR. Contrary to surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVI frequently results in a shorter hospital stay for patients.

Your cardiology specialists in Dubai may recommend TAVI if you have:

Indications and symptoms of severe aortic stenosis.
A biological tissue aortic valve that is not functioning properly.
Another medical problem that makes open-heart valve replacement surgery too dangerous, such as lung or kidney disease.

Pre-procedural Preparation

Instructions on how to get ready for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) will be given by the medical staff. If you have any inquiries about the operation, speak with your cardiology specialists.

Medicines and food

Consult your cardiologist in Dubai about:

When and when you can take your typical medications prior to a TAVR operation
What time before the surgery you should cease eating or drinking
Any medication allergies you may have

Clothing and personal products

Your cardiology specialists medical group may advise you to bring a number of things to the hospital, such as:

A list of each medication you use, including over-the-counter drugs.
Hearing aids, dentures, or eyeglasses.
Items for personal care, including a brush or comb, a toothbrush, and shaving supplies
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Things that could put you at ease, such as books or portable music players

Avoid wearing the following during your operation:

Contact lenses
Dentures
Dentures
Accessories
Nail polish

Implantation Process

A defective aortic valve is replaced with one manufactured from cow or pig heart tissue (biological tissue valve) through a procedure known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The biological tissue valve may occasionally be inserted into a functioning biological tissue valve.

TAVR uses smaller incisions and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to reach the heart as opposed to surgical aortic valve replacement, which necessitates a lengthy incision along the chest (open-heart surgery).

A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided into the heart during TAVR by a cardiology specialist, typically in the groin or chest area. The clinician can better position the catheter by using moving X-ray or echocardiography images.

Via the hollow catheter, a substitute aortic valve consisting of cow or pig tissue is inserted into the affected area. The replacement valve is forced into place by the inflation of a balloon at the catheter's tip. Certain valves can open without a balloon.

Once the new valve is firmly in place, the cardiology specialists in Dubai remove the catheter.

A team of the best cardiologist in Dubai will closely monitor your vital signs throughout the TAVR surgery, including blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and respiration.

Post-Procedural Monitoring

After your procedure, you might spend the night in the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation. Several factors determine how long you must stay in the hospital after TAVR. Some TAVR patients return home the next day.

Your team of cardiologist doctor in Dubai will go over how to take care of any incisions before you leave the hospital as well as how to look out for infection signs and symptoms. Fever, increasing pain, redness, swelling, draining, or leaking at the catheter site are warning indications of infection.

Following TAVI, a number of drugs could be prescribed, including:

Anticoagulants, often known as blood thinners, are medications that thin the blood and help prevent blood clots. You'll hear from your cardiologist doctor in Dubai about how long you might need to take this medication. Take your meds exactly as directed.
Antibiotics - Bacteria can infect artificial heart valves. The bacteria in the mouth are the primary source of heart valve infections. These infections can be avoided with good dental care, which includes regular cleanings. Before several dental operations, antibiotics are administered.

After TAVR, the new valve must undergo regular medical examinations and imaging testing to ensure it is functioning appropriately. If you experience any new or deteriorating signs or symptoms, such as:

A feeling of faintness or dizziness
The ankles are swollen.
Unexpected weight gain
Extreme fatigue after exercising
Infection symptoms or signs

Get immediate medical assistance if you have:

Chest pressure, tightness, or discomfort
Severe, unexpected breathlessness
Fainting

Outcomes of TAVI

Survival Rate - According to the available data, TAVI is an effective treatment for individuals who are at high or intermediate surgical risk. Furthermore, there is no solid proof that TAVI produces results that are long-lasting throughout the medium term. There will be fewer wounds for your body to heal as a result of limiting the number and size of the incisions. This implies less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
Improvement in Symptoms - Aortic valve stenosis symptoms and indicators may be reduced with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which may enhance the quality of life. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial as you heal and can help stop further heart issues.
Changes in Quality of Life - Following TAVI surgery, follow these recommendations: quit smoking, consume a nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in salt (sodium), saturated and trans fats, and exercise regularly (see your cardiology specialists medical group before beginning a new exercise regimen), and maintain a healthy weight.

Potential complications and risks

Every surgical surgery and the medical procedure carries some kind of risk. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has the following potential risks:

Bleeding
Might require a pacemaker. A disturbance in the electrical system of your heart is a potential side effect of TAVR. Typically, a pacemaker must be implanted for it.
Maybe there is a leak around the replacement valve. Some persons may develop a paravalvular leak depending on the type of valve. That indicates a leak near the replacement valve's outside border.
Blood vascular problems
Issues with the replacement valve, including leaks or falling out of position (regurgitation)
Stroke
Arrhythmias of the heart and the requirement for a pacemaker
Kidney illness
Heart attack
Death
Infection

According to studies, patients who undergo TAVI surgery and those who get surgical aortic valve replacement both run the same risk of dying and suffering a debilitating stroke.

Aster Centre of Excellence in Cardiology

Cardiovascular disease specialists from Aster collaborate with cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated, all-inclusive treatment for patients who require transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Collaborative Treatment: The medical professionals at Aster treat you as a whole person. Physicians spend the time to get to know you and collaborate with you to give you the exact care you require.
Comprehensive Analysis: The optimal course of action for treating aortic valve stenosis patients is determined by a multidisciplinary team of heart valve specialists at Aster. This crucial stage enables the cardiology specialists medical group to decide if you might be a candidate for TAVI procedure or whether open-heart aortic valve surgery or another treatment could be more suitable for you. At Aster, there are a number of ways to treat aortic valve stenosis. TAVI surgery is one of them.
Cutting-edge Technology: Modern imaging equipment is accessible to Aster doctors to aid in the planning and execution of TAVI surgery. Aster specialists have experience performing a variety of cardiac catheterization procedures, in addition to TAVI, to treat a variety of heart diseases.
Innovative Research: Aster scientists have contributed to numerous TAVI-related studies. Physicians and researchers at Aster are involved in creating and evaluating cutting-edge medical equipment and methods that are used to treat patients with heart valve problems.

Why Choose Dubai for the Best Cardiology Specialist and Treatment

Our cardiologist in Dubai at Aster Cardiologists is a man after God, with a heart of gold, and is utterly convinced that your care comes first. Cardiologists at Aster have demonstrated their excellent skills on numerous occasions. They are recognized as authoritative authorities in the area. Their success is attested to by their track record, as well as by their tenacious effort and commitment. In addition, they are board-certified and readily available to help patients. Dubai is the industry leader in terms of cutting-edge technology and cutting-edge facilities.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart in Climate and Lifestyle

In order to maintain a healthy weight, you should be mindful of your portion amounts. Ingesting more calories than you need can result from overeating, eating quickly, and eating until you feel full. This can have an adverse effect on both your heart and waistline. To avoid distractions from the TV, newspaper, or phone while eating, manage your portions and do so carefully.
Reduce your salt intake since it raises blood pressure, which increases your risk of developing heart issues. A diet that is heart-healthy should include reducing salt consumption. Although ready-to-eat foods typically contain a lot of sodium, keep an eye out for them as well.
Be Smoke-Free. One of the best things you can do for your heart is to stop smoking. Did you know that smoking doubles to quadruples your chance of acquiring heart disease? Today, give up smoking to live a long, healthy life.
Avoid being around people who smoke: Do you have any friends or lovers who smoke? Did you know that being around someone who is smoking increases your risk of having a heart attack? Avoid such settings and urge the people you care about to stop.
Control Blood Pressure: The number one risk factor for brain stroke and a significant risk factor for nearly half of all heart disorders is high blood pressure. Eat a balanced diet, limit your salt intake, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight to control your blood pressure.
Managing Diabetes: Did you know that people with type 2 diabetes have a two to four times greater risk of heart disease or a brain stroke than people without the disease? In order to keep your diabetes under control, adopt healthy lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a healthy weight if you have diabetes is one of the most crucial things you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiology Services

What is Transcatheter aortic valve implantation?

By a medical procedure known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), open heart surgery is not required to replace the aortic valve in your heart. This method, also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), has seen a considerable increase in usage over the past few years, making it the most popular way to replace the aortic valve.

Is transcatheter aortic valve implantation safe?

TAVI surgery still bears dangers despite having a high success rate and few surgical problems. Vascular injuries, hemorrhage, stroke, atrioventricular conduction system damage, acute kidney injury, and aortic regurgitation are typical procedure side effects.

Is TAVR a serious surgery?

TAVR is a minimally invasive treatment that just necessitates a tiny skin cut. There is no need for open cardiac surgery. One of the four valves that regulate blood flow in the heart is the aortic valve. The blood that flows from your heart through your aorta and to the rest of your body is carefully regulated by the aortic valve.

How successful is transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of TAVR, which is carried out by our qualified medical professionals. But, there is a little risk associated with the treatment, which a team of the best cardiologist in Dubai fully discloses upfront.

Difference between TAVI and TAVR?

A new valve is installed via this minimally invasive operation without the old, damaged valve being removed. The replacement valve is inserted within the damaged valve. The procedure is sometimes referred to as a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Your AsterDM Team

Cardiovascular disease experts at AsterDM Healthcare collaborate with cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and others to provide coordinated, all-encompassing care for patients who require transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Advanced imaging equipment is accessible to AsterDM doctors to aid in the planning and execution of TAVR. In addition to TAVR, Mayo medical professionals have experience treating a variety of heart diseases using a wide spectrum of cardiac catheterization methods.

Recommended Read: Pan-Aortic Replacement Surgery