Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat aortic valve disease. It involves inserting a new heart valve through a small incision, typically in the groin, and guiding it up to the heart using a catheter. Once in place, the new valve is expanded and secured within the existing aortic valve, effectively replacing it.
TAVR is an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery and is generally used for patients who are considered high-risk or inoperable for conventional surgery. The procedure has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with aortic valve disease.
When is the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure done?
- Severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve) that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes
- Aortic regurgitation (aortic valve does not close properly), allowing blood to flow backward into the heart
How to prepare for the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure?
- Discuss the procedure with your doctor
- Get a physical examination
- Have blood tests and a chest X-ray
- Have an echocardiogram
- Have a cardiac catheterization
- Have a CT scan
- Take medications to prevent blood clots
- Stop eating and drinking several hours before the procedure
What happens after the TAVR procedure?
- You may need to stay in the hospital for at least 1-2 days
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your incision
- Take medications to help with pain and reduce the risk of blood clots
- Never miss follow-up visits to check on your recovery and see how well your replacement valve is working
TAVR Post-operative Care
Post-operative care is an essential part of the TAVR procedure to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some key aspects of TAVR post-operative care:
- Hospital Stay: After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for 1-2 days to ensure there are no complications.
- Incision Care: Proper care of the incision site is essential to prevent infection. Patients should keep the incision area clean and dry and avoid submerging it in water.
- Pain Management: Patients may experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Pain management medication will be prescribed to help with this.
- Blood Thinners: Blood thinners may be prescribed to prevent blood clots after the procedure. Patients must follow the medication regimen as directed by their doctor.
- Physical Activity: Patients may need to limit physical activity for a short period after the procedure to allow for proper healing. The doctor will provide specific instructions on when and how to resume normal activities.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Patients should attend all follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure the replacement valve is working properly.
- Lifestyle Changes: Patients may need to make lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, to ensure the success of the procedure and promote overall health.
It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery and to achieve the best possible outcome.
What are the benefits of the TAVR procedure?
- Lower risk of mortality and complications
- Can be used in people with high surgical risk
- smaller incision
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery time
- Cost-effective
What is the TAVR recovery time?
The typical recovery time for a TAVR procedure is about one week. Depending on the patient’s overall health and the complexity of the procedure, recovery can take up to two weeks.
Who is the right candidate for TAVR Procedure?
TAVR Candidates
If the patient had a Heart Attack or faced symptoms of heart attack and
- Is sensitive to open heart surgery
- Is having a high risk of surgical complications
- Is suffering from kidney or lung diseases and cannot undergo invasive surgery
Have an existing valve that was previously inserted to replace the original aortic valve, which is not functioning well.
TAVR vs Open Heart Surgery
| Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) | Open Heart Surgery |
| TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a new valve through a catheter, typically in the groin, and threading it up to the heart. Once in place, the new valve is expanded and secured within the existing aortic valve, effectively replacing it. TAVR is generally used for patients who are considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery. | Open Heart Surgery is a more invasive procedure that involves making a large incision in the chest and opening up the chest to access the heart. During this procedure, the heart is stopped, and the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which keeps the blood circulating during the surgery. The surgeon then removes the diseased valve and replaces it with a new valve. |
Conclusion
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that has revolutionized the treatment of aortic valve disease, especially in patients who are considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery. TAVR involves inserting a new valve through a catheter and placing it within the existing aortic valve, which can improve symptoms and overall quality of life. While TAVR is not suitable for all patients, it has shown promising results and continues to evolve as a safe and effective treatment option for aortic valve disease.
