Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), also known as TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat stenosis of the aortic valve. Consult a TAVR Surgeon in Mumbai to clear your doubts about TAVR. The aortic valve is the passageway through which blood leaves the heart. Aortic stenosis is a type of aortic valve disease in which the valve is stiff and narrow and does not open and close as it should, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body. As a result, patients experience shortness of breath and fatigue, and they are at high risk of having a heart attack.
The only treatment for aortic valve disease is valve replacement, which requires open-heart surgery. However, for many patients, TAVR is an equally effective, much less invasive alternative. Instead of opening the chest to remove and replace the damaged valve, the doctor inserts a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) through a blood vessel to reach the heart, where a new valve is inserted inside the faulty one, restoring healthy blood flow. The procedure is much faster than open-heart surgery, and patients recover with less pain and scarring.
Patients are given an echocardiogram prior to the procedure to assess their heart health. Patients are then brought into the operating room, where the best TAVR surgeon in Mumbai and the anesthesia team determine the best type of anesthesia for the patient based on their health factors. Patients may be given general anesthesia and fall asleep completely, or they may be sedated enough to feel relaxed and not feel pain while remaining awake during the procedure.
The surgeon inserts a temporary pacemaker during the TAVR procedure to maintain regular heartbeats. In addition, many patients have a Sentinel filtration device inserted into a blood vessel in their neck to reduce the risk of stroke caused by plaque dislodged during the procedure. The device is inserted into the wrist via a small incision.
The replacement valve is guided through the blood vessel with a catheter until it is inside the damaged valve. Once in place, the new valve is expanded to full size, taking over the function of the old valve by regulating blood flow from the heart. The new valve is usually made of bovine or porcine tissue, both of which are compatible with human tissue.
The temporary pacemaker and Sentinel device are removed after the valve is implanted. If a slow heart rate is detected, the pacemaker may be removed the following day. Another echocardiogram is performed to assess the function of the new valve, and the patient is then taken to the recovery area.
The entire procedure takes about two to three hours, which is half the time needed for open-heart surgery.
Following the procedure of TAVI Treatment in Mumbai, patients are directed to the post-anesthesia care unit for recovery before being transferred to either the transitional care or intensive care units, depending on the level of care required. Being up and walking within 24 hours is critical to recovery, with most patients spending one to two nights in the hospital where they are closely monitored. To ensure proper heart function, the cardiac care team performs follow-up tests such as a chest X-ray, EKG, and echocardiogram during this time.
Before going home, patients are advised on self-care, including diet, exercise, incision site care, and medication management. Regular check-ups with a TAVI doctor in Mumbai, a local cardiologist, and a heart team are required after discharge to ensure the new valve is functioning properly and to identify potential problems early.
During the first few weeks of recovery at home, patients should be aware of any unusual headaches, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms and should immediately contact the doctor or the TAVR hospitals in Mumbai. Patients should not drive for 72 hours after the procedure to allow the incisions to heal, and they should avoid strenuous physical activity for 10 days. TAVR recovery is faster than open-heart surgery, with most patients able to return to normal activities within two weeks.
Some patients may benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program after the TAVI surgery in Mumbai, in which a team of healthcare professionals provides a personalized exercise plan, education, and support to help improve heart health and quality of life. Patients should consult with their doctor to determine whether cardiac rehab is right for them.
To learn more about the innovative and top-quality TAVR procedure in Mumbai, visit Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital. We provide the finest transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Mumbai. Our doctors are exceptionally skilled in TAV/TAVR and provide industry-leading care and support at an affordable TAVR procedure cost in India. Make an appointment today!
