What is TAVI?

TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. This method is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used in the treatment of heart diseases such as aortic valve stenosis. TAVI, which is less invasive than traditional surgery, is generally preferred for patients with a high surgical risk or those unsuitable for surgery.

During the TAVI procedure, access to the body is usually provided through the groin area using a catheter. Subsequently, a new valve is placed through a balloon or a mechanical device. This new valve sits in place by pushing the patient’s own valve structure, allowing blood to flow more easily between the heart chambers.

The TAVI procedure may be a less traumatic option for the patient and may have a faster recovery process. However, it may not be suitable for every patient and should be carefully evaluated by the surgical team.

Firstly, relevant healthcare professionals assess the patient’s condition and decide whether TAVI is a suitable option. If appropriate, the patient is informed about the procedure, and consent is obtained.

The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia in the groin area. A catheter is inserted into a large artery such as the femoral artery or subclavian artery.

The catheter is advanced to the aortic valve area. Subsequently, a balloon-expandable valve or a mechanical valve is placed into the aorta through the catheter. This new valve sits in place by pushing the patient’s own valve structure, allowing blood to flow more easily between the heart chambers.

During the procedure, the surgical team typically uses imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the catheter and place the valve. This assists in the accurate positioning of the valve.

After the successful placement of the valve, the catheter is removed, and the artery is closed. The patient’s hospital stay is usually shorter, and the recovery process is faster.

The question of who TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is applied to may come to mind. TAVI is a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferred in the treatment of heart diseases, especially aortic valve stenosis. The TAVI method may be particularly suitable for certain patient groups:

Patients with High Surgical Risk: Patients with a high surgical risk for traditional surgery may be candidates for the TAVI method. Especially elderly patients and those with other health issues fall into this group.

Patients Unsuitable for Surgery: Some patients may not be suitable for surgical procedures. TAVI can be an alternative for such patients.

Patients with Low Surgical Risk Preferring Minimal Invasive Procedures: Some patients, even if suitable for traditional open-heart surgery, may prefer a less invasive procedure. TAVI can be an option for such patients.

Patients with Co-morbidities: Many patients experience other health issues alongside diseases like aortic valve stenosis. TAVI can be a less traumatic option for such patients.

However, TAVI may not be suitable for every patient. Especially young and active patients should be carefully evaluated, considering long-term outcomes.

The TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) method may offer some advantages compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Some of the advantages of TAVI include:

 

• Less Invasive
• Faster Recovery
• Less Blood Loss
• Lower Risk of Complications
• Quicker Mobility
• Improved Quality of Life

Although it has advantages over open-heart surgery, one might wonder, “Are there risks to the TAVI method?” Despite being a less invasive procedure than traditional open-heart surgery, it may involve some risks. These may include:

Valve Leakage or Narrowing: Valve leakage or narrowing may occur when placing the new valve. This condition can impede the proper pumping of the heart and lead to symptoms.

Vascular Damage: Vascular damage can occur during the insertion of the catheter into the artery. This can result in complications such as bleeding or tearing of the arterial wall.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias may develop during or after the TAVI procedure. This condition can cause symptoms such as an accelerated or slowed heartbeat.

Stroke or Thromboembolism: There is a risk of stroke or thromboembolism during or after the TAVI procedure. This condition can develop due to blood clot formation and artery blockage.

Vascular Complications: Vascular complications may occur during the insertion of the catheter. This may include problems such as arterial wall tearing, bleeding, or vascular blockage.

Contrast Agent Reactions: Allergic reactions to the contrast agent used during the TAVI procedure may occur.

Infection: Like any surgical procedure, the TAVI procedure carries the risk of infection. This may include infection of the implanted valve or infection during catheter insertion.

The TAVI method may not be suitable for every patient, and these risks should be considered through a detailed evaluation between the patient and the doctor. Particularly, considering the patient’s overall health and the characteristics of the disease, risks and benefits should be carefully assessed.

Generally, the TAVI procedure takes approximately 1 to 3 hours. However, the total duration, including preparation and recovery before and after the procedure, can be longer. The procedure duration may vary depending on the patient’s characteristics, the experience of the surgical team, and any unexpected situations that may arise during the procedure. Therefore, the procedure duration may differ for each patient.

The hospital stay after TAVI is generally shorter than that after traditional open-heart surgery. Typically, patients stay in the hospital for a few days. However, this period may vary depending on the person’s health.

Post-procedure pain and discomfort are normal. However, these symptoms are usually mild and manageable. Patients are generally relieved with painkillers or other medications.

Patients typically tend to return to normal activities quickly after TAVI. However, they may limit physical activities for a certain period as per the doctor’s recommendations. Rehabilitation and physical therapy programs can help strengthen the patient and accelerate the recovery process.

Patients should regularly visit their doctors for follow-up. These visits help monitor the post-procedure recovery process and detect any possible complications. They should also make lifestyle changes recommended by their doctors. These changes may include adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and medication.

The recovery process after TAVI may vary depending on the patient’s condition. However, patients generally recover quickly and return to daily activities.

Despite being less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery, it may involve some risks. These include valve leakage or narrowing, vascular damage, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke or thromboembolism, vascular complications, contrast agent reactions, and infection. TAVI may not be suitable for every patient, and these risks should be considered through a detailed evaluation between the patient and the doctor. Especially considering the patient’s overall health and the characteristics of the disease, risks and benefits should be carefully assessed.

Before starting the TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure, various tests are conducted to assess the patient’s condition and determine the suitability of the procedure. These tests typically include:

 

• Echocardiography (ECHO): Echocardiography is an imaging test used to assess the structural and functional characteristics of the heart. It is commonly used to determine the presence and severity of conditions such as aortic valve stenosis.

 

• Cardiac Catheterization (Angiography): Cardiac catheterization is used to assess the structural and functional condition of the heart vessels and valves. Catheterization for TAVI is necessary to determine the structure and size of the aortic valve and surrounding vessels.

 

• Exercise Test (Treadmill Test): The exercise test is used to assess the patient’s heart health and capacity. This test is usually conducted for TAVI candidates to assess their suitability based on cardiac functions.

 

• Thoracic Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Thoracic CT or MRI is used to visualize structures around the aortic root in more detail. These imaging tests are important to determine details such as the catheter placement route and valve size for the TAVI procedure.

 

• Blood Tests: Blood tests are conducted before TAVI. These tests are necessary to assess the patient’s overall health, determine the risk of anemia or blood clotting, and evaluate the response to drugs used during the procedure.

 

These tests are crucial to determine the suitability of the patient for the TAVI procedure and minimize potential complications during the procedure. The type and scope of tests may vary for each patient based on their characteristics and clinical condition. Therefore, tests are tailored to the patient’s specific situation and used in the assessment process.