TAVI in High-Risk Patients: Expanding Treatment Options for Aortic Valve Disease

TAVI in High-Risk Patients: Expanding Treatment Options for Aortic Valve Disease

TAVI, or transcatheter aortic valve implantation, is a minimally invasive and mostly painless treatment procedure for aortic valve disease. This condition, medically known as aortic valve stenosis or AS, occurs when the aortic valve of the heart does not function properly. In aortic valve stenosis, the aortic valve does not open fully, resulting in reduced blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In TAVI, the faulty aortic valve is typically replaced with biological tissue.

The treatment is a common and almost pain-free procedure, making it an excellent option for high-risk patients, particularly those over the age of 70. Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a Top TAVI Surgery Hospital in Bangalore that offers comprehensive medical support, including consultation, diagnosis, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation services for high-risk patients with cardiac ailments. The Cardiology Department has some of the best TAVI specialists in Bangalore who provide compassionate and expert cardiac treatment.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis for TAVI

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation may be considered as a treatment option based on several factors, including the symptoms of aortic valve disease. Aortic valve stenosis can cause improper valve function due to calcification and thickening of the valve, resulting in an inadequate amount of blood reaching the body. Symptoms associated with aortic valve stenosis may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Lightheadedness
• Chest pain

These symptoms can occur due to a lack of blood supply to the brain and other parts of the body. TAVI can be an effective treatment option because once symptoms of aortic stenosis appear, managing them without valve replacement can become challenging.

Options for Aortic Valve Disease Treatment

Traditionally, aortic valve disease has been treated with open heart surgery for valve replacement. However, open heart surgery often entails an extended hospital stay and a longer recovery period. This option may not be suitable for elderly patients, who are often deemed high-risk candidates for open heart surgery. In contrast, transcatheter aortic valve implantation offers an almost painless treatment procedure for aortic valve disease. This procedure involves aortic valve replacement guided by a catheter. TAVI may utilize a stent to secure the implant in place, which can begin functioning immediately after the implantation.

How is TAVI Different from Other Procedures?

TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it does not require large chest incisions. Instead, it can be guided by a catheter through a large femoral artery in the groin area. In contrast, open heart surgery typically involves general anaesthesia and large chest incisions to access the aortic valve. This can pose risks for patients with certain medical conditions. TAVI offers an alternative option that can be performed without the need for general anaesthesia.

Being a minimally invasive surgery, TAVI offers a greater chance of early recovery and an overall improvement in the quality of life for patients.

Who is Eligible for TAVI?

High-risk and medium-risk patients with cardiac ailments affecting the aortic valve are often considered good candidates for TAVI. Patients with lung and kidney conditions may also be suitable candidates for TAVI. Patients without known comorbidities who undergo TAVI can experience a rapid recovery, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. TAVI can be particularly beneficial for patients who are at risk of complications from anaesthesia.

Risks and Recovery from TAVI

Risks associated with TAVI may result from delays in recovery or the inability to recover from the procedure. There are other potential risks and complications that may arise after undergoing TAVI, including:

• Damage to blood vessels
• Excessive bleeding
• Reduced blood supply to the brain, leading to stroke
• Heart attack
• Kidney failure
• Leakage of the replacement valve
• Heart failure

Following the procedure, patients may require monitoring in the intensive care unit for 1-2 days. Hospital stays typically range from 2-3 days, which is shorter compared to other treatments. However, high-risk patients and those above 65 years of age may need a longer hospital stay. TAVI Specialists in Bangalore may prescribe medications to support proper recovery and healing after surgery. Regular follow-up check-ups may be necessary to monitor the functioning of the replacement valve and the overall health condition of the patient.

Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka provides exceptional cardiac care, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for TAVI surgery in Bangalore, as well as other specialties and subspecialties within the Cardiology division. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality treatment, comprehensive diagnostic services, and rehabilitation support for patients with a wide range of health conditions. Our team of highly experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, known for their clinical expertise and compassionate care, strive to provide exceptional treatment. Our patient-centric facilities make us the leading TAVI surgery hospital in Bangalore. Looking for the best Aortic Valve Replacement in Bangalore? Call us now.