Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - All You Should Know!

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement/implantation, TAVR/TAVI in short, is a minimally invasive procedure implemented in surgery to replace old and damaged aortic valves with a fully collapsible, stent-like valve via a catheter. The new valve is made to expand, so that it can push the old valve out of its place and take its place.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/implantation (TAVR/TAVI) is a relatively new FDA approved procedure primarily meant for those who have a moderate to high risk with traditional valve replacement surgery.

How it is Different from Other Surgeries

Here are some of the factors that make Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement different from other surgeries.

No Surgery Required

Traditional valve replacement would require open heart surgery with sternotomy. In TAVR/TAVI, the chest need not be fully cut open and no bones are displaced.

No Support Machine Required

In open heart surgery, the heart is stopped and the patient lives on the support of a heart and lung machine. In TAVR/TAVI, the patient’s own heart is constantly working.

Minimal Invasive Process

This minimally invasive procedure is more like an angiogram or a balloon treatment. Recovery time is shorter and hospital stays are usually less than a week.

Procedure of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

There are two technical approaches for TAVR/TAVI. The cardiologist decides which of the two procedures is best for the patient at hand.

Transfemoral Approach

This approach gains access through the femoral artery, which is a large artery accessible from the groin area. In this technique, no incision is made in the chest. This procedure requires a hospital stay of about 5 days.

Transapical Approach

This procedure involves making a small incision in the chest, helping the catheter carry a collapsible valve via the large artery or the apex of the left ventricle. This procedure requires a hospital stay of about 7 days.

Who is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Best For?

Older Citizens

Older citizens, above the age of 70, or patients who stand a risk from traditional open-heart valve replacement may get TAVR/TAVI. This procedure is recommended only to those who must get their aortic valve replaced in order to be able to lead a better life.

People Having No Infection in Other Organs  

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI) is only for those who do not have an active infection of the organs. Also, the procedure is not meant for those who cannot be exposed to blood thinning medication.

Benefits of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI)

Being a minimally invasive procedure, TAVR/TAVI has the following benefits:

Non-infectious

Minimum chances of infection since the point of contact is very narrow. 

Short Hospital Stay

Shorter hospital stays, about 5 to 7 days at most, if there is no other complication. Traditional surgery takes a minimum of 7 days.

Less Recovery Time

Recovery time with TAVR/TAVI is cut short by about 2 weeks and sometimes 4, compared to open heart surgery.

Less Pain and Discomfort

The overall pain and discomfort are much less with TAVR/TAVI.

Better Than Other Surgeries

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI) is convenient for those who qualify for the procedure. In the future, this procedure might be approved for a wider demographic of patients, who need aortic valve replacement.