What is TAVR? (Also called TAVI)
TAVR, also called TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), is a less invasive procedure that is designed to replace a diseased aortic valve. Faster recovery time and long-term clinical benefits for patients are a few reasons for TAVR’s growing popularity.
Good candidate for TAVR – For patients who are above 60 or 70 years of age or not physically fit to undergo the surgery or prone to a surgical complication, TAVR is a lifesaver.
The procedure is also an option for people at high risk for surgery who had their aortic valve replaced in the past, but need a new one because the replacement may no longer work well.
What happens during TAVR?
TAVR is a less invasive therapy for severe aortic stenosis and hence it is different from open heart surgery. The most common technique involves a small incision made in the leg. This is called the transfemoral approach.
Through a small incision in your leg your doctor will insert a catheter into your artery while your heart is still beating. The catheter is guided up to your heart and will replace the valve within your diseased aortic valve.
Advice for post-procedure and recovery
The patient will be shifted to the ICU, so that he/she can be monitored closely while he/she recovers from surgery. As he/she recovers, the tubes in his/her veins and arteries that provide nourishment and monitor heart functions will be removed. He/she will soon be able to get up and walk and return to a normal diet. Still the patient may need to stay in the hospital for several days.
A few guidelines that a cardiologist may give to patients:
- Walk around as much as possible.
- Slowly restart normal activities, but avoid any heavy lifting.
- Watch the groin for any sign of swelling, redness, bleeding, or discharge.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- The doctor may give him/her blood thinning medicine to prevent blood clots after a TAVI