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TAVI

TAVI (TAVR)

TAVI is an abbreviation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It is also called TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement). It is a stent implant used for replacing a faulty heart valve. It is a minimally-invasive method to replace an aortic valve through a catheter. Once the new valve is implanted, the old valve is pushed aside and blood flow is regulated by the tissue in the new valve. The tissue for the new valve is obtained from cow or pig tissue.  It is an excellent alternative to standard open-heart valve surgery, which requires the chest cavity to be opened completely (sternotomy).

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    Frequently Asked Questions about TAVI

    It takes 6-10 weeks for some people to recover. Recovery is accelerated by regular exercise and daily activities. A healthy diet is one main criterion for a faster recovery.

    One of the most important valves, the aortic valve, has three leaflets of tissue that regulate blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta in the heart. Sometimes, narrowing of the aortic valve can occur due to the deposition of calcium on the valve leaflets, birth defects, rheumatic fever or radiation therapy. Due to this condition, pumping of the blood becomes difficult.

    TAVI is an ideal method of valve replacement for people, who are too weak to undergo an open-heart surgery. It is performed using a catheter, with a replacement valve and a balloon at its tip. This catheter is then guided to the heart. The balloon aids in placing the valve in place. The doctor removes the catheter once the new valve is placed securely.

    After the insertion of TAVI, there is a risk of stroke and silent neurological episodes. This can even lead to morbidity or death. The risk of stroke can be minimized by making procedural changes, preventing debris embolization, developing protective devices and providing antithrombotic treatment pre-and post-surgery. Administering unfractionated heparin is the preferred standard treatment of the same.

    Not much data are available on TAVI performance and post-insertion, beyond 5 years. TAVR is made up of arterial valve tissue, obtained from pig or cow tissue. Medical literature indicates that the lifespan of a tissue valve is 10-20 years. The patient needs a replacement when the old valve wears off.

    The rate of recovery, after TAVI, varies depending on the patient’s age and health condition. Loss of appetite is a common post-surgery effect but subsides in 3-4 weeks. Although it is a less invasive method, pain in the area of the incision is common, especially in the leg region.

    TAVI was earlier used only for the elderly or the sickest aortic stenosis patients. Now it is used as an alternative to valve replacement by open heart surgery for all patients. After this surgery, the patient can be discharged in just 15 days compared to open-heart surgery whose recovery rate is longer.

    Post TAVI operation, you will be shifted to the intensive care unit and will be under constant medical supervision and observation. Normally, a hospital stay of 4 to 5 days is required. In the case of satisfactory recovery, you will be shifted to a regular ward and finally discharged with detailed, postoperative care instructions.

    Being a less invasive method, TAVI is safe and has a high success rate. But postoperative complications arise sometimes. Vascular injuries, atrioventricular conduction system injuries, aortic regurgitation, stroke and bleeding are common procedural complications. The most common problem is a vascular injury caused by perforation, dissection and acute thrombotic occlusion.

    TAVI consists of a stent (metal tube) with pig or bovine tissue in it. It is an artificial valve implant that expands by itself or is expanded using a balloon. The balloon is deflated before the catheter is removed. Old valve leaflets are pushed out of the way in the artery and regulation of blood flow is taken over by tissue in the replaced valve.

    No, TAVI is not open-heart surgery. It is an advanced valve replacement technique. It is a less invasive technique that just requires an incision in the chest region or leg compared to the traditional open-heart surgery. The recovery span is shorter and the success rate higher than that of conventional methods of valve replacement.

    For further clarifications and more information, kindly get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda hospitals.

    References

    1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/understanding-your-heart-valve-treatment-options/what-is-tavr
    2. https://newheartvalve.com/uk/explore-treatments/about-the-tavi-procedure/
    3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00085/full

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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