Heart diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with aortic stenosis being a common yet serious condition affecting many elderly individuals. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the treatment of severe aortic stenosis, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.
Dr. Tanmai Yermal, a distinguished Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Kharadi, Pune, specializes in advanced cardiac interventions, including TAVR. In this article, we explore what TAVR is, why it is done, its benefits, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
Understanding Aortic Stenosis
The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis occurs when this valve becomes narrowed or stiff due to calcium buildup, aging, or congenital defects. This condition forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to symptoms such as:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the legs and feet
Without timely treatment, severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications.
What is TAVR?
TAVR, also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
Instead of making a large chest incision, a thin catheter is inserted through the femoral artery (in the groin) or another access point, and a new valve is delivered and positioned inside the diseased valve.
The TAVR procedure helps restore normal blood flow, improves symptoms, and enhances overall heart function.
Who Needs TAVR?
TAVR is primarily recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis who:
- Are considered high-risk or ineligible for open-heart surgery.
- Have co-existing health conditions like lung disease, kidney disease, or frailty.
- Experience severe symptoms despite medication.
- Have a previous valve replacement that is now failing (valve-in-valve TAVR).
Dr. Tanmai Yermal carefully evaluates each patient to determine the best treatment approach based on their condition, symptoms, and overall health.
How is TAVR Performed?
TAVR is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab under local anesthesia or mild sedation. The procedure involves:
- Accessing the Artery: A small incision is made in the groin (femoral approach) or chest to insert a thin, flexible catheter into the artery.
- Guiding the New Valve: The new artificial valve, made of biological tissue (from cow or pig heart valves), is delivered through the catheter and positioned inside the diseased aortic valve.
- Expanding the Valve: The new valve is expanded using a balloon or self-expanding mechanism, pushing the old valve aside and restoring proper blood flow.
- Ensuring Proper Function: The doctor checks the new valve's function using imaging, and the catheter is removed once everything is confirmed to be working properly. The entire procedure takes about 1-2 hours, and most patients recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
Benefits of TAVR
TAVR has gained popularity due to its numerous advantages over traditional open-heart surgery:
- Minimally invasive – No large chest incision or sternotomy.
- Faster recovery – Most patients are discharged within 24-48 hours.
- Reduced complications – Lower risk of bleeding, stroke, and infection.
- Improved quality of life – Significant relief from chest pain, breathlessness, and fatigue.
- Suitable for elderly patients – Ideal for those not fit for open-heart surgery.
Many patients experience a dramatic improvement in their daily activities within days to weeks after the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
While TAVR is safe and effective, it carries some potential risks, including:
- Bleeding or vascular complications at the catheter insertion site.
- Heart rhythm issues, requiring a pacemaker in some cases.
- Valve leakage (paravalvular regurgitation) if the new valve doesn’t seal properly.
- Stroke or blood clots, though the risk is lower compared to open-heart surgery.
However, with advanced technology and expert care, the success rate of TAVR is extremely high, making it a preferred choice for treating aortic stenosis.
Recovery After TAVR
After TAVR, patients:
- Stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring.
- Can resume light activities within a week.
- Are advised to follow a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.
- May need medications like blood thinners to prevent complications.
Regular follow-ups with Dr. Tanmai Yermal are essential to ensure optimal recovery and heart function.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a game-changing, minimally invasive solution for severe aortic stenosis. With shorter recovery times and excellent success rates, it provides a lifesaving alternative for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery.
Under the expert care of Dr. Tanmai Yermal in Kharadi, Pune, patients receive personalized cardiac care with cutting-edge treatment options. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, consult with Dr. Yermal today to explore the best treatment options.
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