Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Treatment

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure involves replacing a damaged heart valve with a new one. The vavle could be damaged due to several reasons including by birth, injury, infection, etc. Hence, this procedure recommended by the heart sugeons to the patients for better heart functioning. This option is better for those patients who are not able to be treated with other heart surgeries options.

TAVI is a non-surgical procedure which successfully helps in the replacement of damaged valves with a new one. Hence, this procedure helps a patient to  recover from the condition. The procedure is also popular as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). It controls the flow of blood which passes from the heart. The stiffness of this valve leads to a condition known as aortic valve stenosis. It troubles in opening the valve fully and reduces the blood flow in the body. 

TAVI Advantages

The advantages of this procedure are as follows: 

• The risk of heart failure problems gets reduced due to this non-surgical procedure. 
• It helps a person to live a longer life and improves his or her life’s quality. 
• This procedure allows patients to recover easily. They stay in a hospital for a few days. 
• It reduces symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath etc. 

Risks and Complications of TAVI

This procedure involves several risks and complications. These are as follows:

• Stroke
• Damage in blood vessels 
• Kidney disease
• Infection
• Heart rhythm problems
• Leakage of replacement valve
• Low blood pressure
• Damage in aorta

Before Procedure

An Intravenous (IV) injection is to be placed in the forearm or hand. The sedative medicine passes through this injection, which helps to feel calm, relaxed or sleepy. The blood clots and infection is protected through medicines given through IV injection.

A healthcare professional may shave the hair in the area of the body before starting the procedure. 

During Procedure

A valve made from cow or pig heart tissue replaces a damaged aortic valve during surgery. This new valve is known as the biological tissue valve. Sometimes, a doctor attaches this valve without replacing the damaged valve. 

TAVI uses a small and flexible tube called a catheter. It requires a small surgery cut to reach the heart. The open-heart surgery needs a large cut in the chest, which is unique from this surgery. 

After that, a catheter is inserted in the groin or chest area. The doctor uses X-ray or other imaging tools for the procedure. 

A biological tissue valve sends through a catheter and places it in the aortic valve area. The new aortic valve is pressed from expanding a balloon on the catheter tip. 

Once a new valve is placed securely, a catheter is removed from the chest area. 

After that, a healthcare provider constantly checks your blood pressure, breathing, heart rhythm and pulse during surgery. 

After Procedure

You must stay in the Intensive Care Unit for a night. After that, you will be monitored closely and the doctor tells you how much time you can stay in the hospital. 

The treatment team tells about the symptoms of infection and caring for wounds. Fever, swelling, oozing etc., are some warning signs that occur at the catheter site. 

TAVR may prescribe several medicines. These are as follows:

• Anticoagulants: They provide protection from clotting of blood. The healthcare team tells about the need of these medicines. 
• Antibiotics: These medicines involve preventing bacterial infection in patients. An artificial heart valve is infected when the germs get stuck into it. The heart valve infections come from most bacteria into the mouth. Regular dental checkups are beneficial for the teeth and mouth, which prevents infection. Before these procedures, antibiotics may be prescribed for patients. 

After TAVI, the requirement of regular checkups and imaging tests ensures the appropriate working of the new valve. Consult with your doctor if you are suffering from new or worsening symptoms, including:

• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling in ankles
• Extreme tiredness
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Swelling or redness at catheter site
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness in chest