TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and refers to a procedure to replace a narrowed and diseased aortic valve. It is less invasive and an alternative for patients who cannot undergo open-heart surgery. Read on to learn more about TAVR surgery, including details about the actual procedure, cost, and tips for finding a reputable TAVR heart surgery hospital in Nagercoil.
What Is TAVR Surgery?
TAVR isn’t a surgery but a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve in the heart. The procedure is called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation or TAVI. Earlier, surgeons had to perform an open-heart surgery to replace the diseased aortic valve. This procedure has improved significantly thanks to technology, making it a popular option.
Unlike open heart surgery, the surgeon need not open the chest. TAVR is generally safer, is less painful, and has better outcomes. While TAVR procedures last an hour, open heart surgeries last around 4 hours. In fact, patients can return home the next day, and can get back to living a normal life in less time.
What Happens During TAVR Procedure?
The doctor will begin the TAVR procedure with anaesthesia or a mild sedative. The doctor then makes a small incision in one of the three access routes, viz., the groin, neck, or a space between the ribs. A thin, flexible tube or catheter is then inserted through this incision into the heart valve and the diseased valve.
The procedure is like placing a stent in the sense that a fully collapsible valve is placed inside the actual valve. Once the new valve expands, it pushes the old valve leaflets out, and the tissues in the replaced value gradually begin to regulate blood flow. At the end of the procedure, the doctor may remove the tube and close the cuts.
After the procedure, the patient may be transferred to the ICU for observation. After a few hours, they’re moved to the patient room and discharged within a day or two. You will be given detailed information about what you can do, the medications you must take, and the risks associated with the treatment.
Who Needs a TAVR?
The doctor may suggest TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis, i.e., the narrowing of the aortic valve and the tissues around it. Such patients may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. The valve narrows due to calcium buildup or age-related wear and tear. As the valve and the tissues around it narrow, blood flow is restricted to the rest of the body, forcing the heart to pump even harder. Over time, this damages the heart muscles, leading to heart failure.
In some patients, the biological tissue in the aortic valve may not be working as well as it should. Sometimes, patients with a lung or kidney disease may require a TAVR.
What Are the Benefits of TAVR Procedure?
At Calwin Hospital, patients with successful TAVR procedures have reported being able to breathe normally and feeling less anxious. They also have more energy to do things and can return to normal life.
Clinical studies have found that people who have undergone TAVR have better survival chances and a lower rate of strokes. There’s less likelihood of rehospitalisation. And as mentioned earlier, they can go home quickly, i.e., within a day or two after the procedure.
What Are the Risks Associated with TAVR Surgery?
TAVR surgery is a reasonably risk-free procedure. However, as with any other procedure, a few risks are associated with TAVR. Some of these risks include:
- Some patients may develop a stroke during the procedure or immediately after surgery.
- In rare cases, the patient may not survive the procedure.
- If the replacement is not big enough or does not fully expand, a paravalvular leak may occur in the space between the heart and the replaced valve. This can be treated with medication alone.
- Patients between 5 to 33% may need a permanent pacemaker when the valves press on the heart’s electrical system. However, newer pacemaker models aim to address the issue.
- Sometimes, the imaging dye may hurt the kidneys.
- The catheters passing through the arteries may sometimes damage the artery vessels. This is replaceable.
What Is the TAVR Procedure Cost?
TAVR procedure cost varies depending on the city where it is performed and the surgeon’s expertise. TAVR surgery cost in Nagercoil ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000, depending on the heart hospital in Nagercoil you choose.
Who Shouldn’t Undergo TAVR Surgery?
If you recently had a heart attack or have congenital heart defects, you shouldn’t undergo TAVR. Doctors also recommend the procedure if the heart muscles are very weak, or you have problems like mitral regurgitation.
What Do You Do If You Have Been Recommended TAVR?
Call us to schedule a consultation if you have been recommended a TAVR surgery. As one of the best heart hospitals in Nagercoil, we promise excellent care using state-of-the-art facilities. Thanks to the high volumes of TAVR procedures performed at the Calwin Hospitals, you can be assured of successful outcomes and guidance from a well-experienced multi-disciplinary team.