TAVI Procedure For Aortic Valve Stenosis

What is the TAVI procedure | TAVI Operation

The TAVI procedure here at The Keyhole Heart Clinic can be an ideal solution for some heart patients who are currently suffering from severe aortic stenosis. TAVI, short for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, is a less invasive approach to replacing heart valves. As it is a much less invasive approach, it has been offered to those patients who were previously too weak to undergo traditional open-heart surgery. With the advancements in keyhole procedures, a TAVI operation can now be a treatment for many different types of patients suffering symptoms.

Enquire today about the TAVI heart procedure by contacting us and booking a consultation with Mr Birdi and our medical experts to discuss a TAVI operation in more detail.

TAVI Procedure For Aortic Valve Stenosis
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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI Surgery) – Who is it Ideal For?

Aortic valve replacement surgery – whether keyhole or open-heart – may not be a suitable option for everyone, especially those who are elderly or seriously unwell. The TAVI procedure may be recommended to these patients as an alternative, due to its less invasive method. The TAVI operation places a new artificial heart valve inside the diseased aortic valve using a balloon catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or arm. During TAVI surgery, the patient often does not need a full general anaesthetic or the need to go onto a heart-lung machine.

Some patients might be better suited to minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a small cut between the ribs on the right side of the chest (a procedure known as ARTAVR). Mr Birdi and his team are best placed to advise on which procedure is the best for you. Both TAVI and ARTAVR avoid the need for breastbone break, resulting in more rapid recovery, less pain and less scarring.

Here at The Keyhole Heart Clinic, we are happy to provide both Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI Surgery) or ARTAVR for a quicker, safer, and overall faster recovery. Due to our unique experience in keyhole aortic valve surgery and traditional aortic valve surgery, our team are best placed to help you decide which treatment is the best for you both in the short and long term.

TAVI Heart Procedure – Faster, Short Term Recovery

Unlike traditional breastbone surgery, patients who undergo the TAVI procedure can leave the hospital within a few days and typically see an immediate improvement in their symptoms. The TAVI operation intends to help extend the life and reduce the symptoms of high-risk patients it is performed on. ARTAVR on the other hand offers the same or better immediate and long-term results as traditional breastbone surgery. Our expert medical team at The Keyhole Heart Clinic has developed world-class expertise in ALL types of heart valve treatment and is firmly placed to inform you of the best treatment choice for your heart valve disease.

As well as the skilled TAVI heart procedure, we are experts in traditional and keyhole surgery and can help patients who suffer from a wide range of heart conditions.

TAVI Procedure: The Expert Team That Always Puts Patients First

At The Keyhole Heart Clinic Mr Birdi and the team are all recognised experts. We put our patients first and foremost, offering a wide range of services to assist if you have been given a recent heart diagnosis and want to learn more. We know how difficult hearing you will need to undergo surgery can be, so we will help you assess the best treatment for your condition and symptoms. Whether the TAVI procedure is a good option for you will depend on several factors. We will advise on any alternatives that may be a better fit during a consultation and can provide surgery within 2 weeks of assessment. Our work is internationally recognised, and we are one of the leading heart clinics in the UK.

Transfemoral Deployment of the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve

The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI Operation) Procedure & Risks

The TAVI procedure, whilst complex, is a much simpler process to perform thanks to its less invasive technique. The steps are usually as follows:

  1. Before undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, you will be given a general or local anaesthetic.
  2. A small needle will be inserted into your groin so that an artery in your body can be reached. This may also be achieved under your collarbone if needed.
  3. A catheter is then inserted into the artery, which has a balloon at its tip. This is then passed into your heart along the artery so that the new valve can go into the correct position inside your diseased aortic valve.
  4. Once in position, the balloon is slowly inflated and helps the new valve fit into place whilst being held by the existing valve.
  5. The balloon is then deflated and removed along with the catheter. This is done after the surgeon has ensured the new valve is working correctly.

Once the TAVI procedure has been fully performed, patients can expect some mild discomfort at the catheter entry site but much less than would be experienced after open-heart surgery. Pain relief will be administered to help with this, and in most cases, patients can return to their homes within a few days. Patients will experience different recovery times depending on how the TAVI procedure has gone but expect a quicker recovery than open-heart surgery.

There are various risks involved with any form of surgery. Your cardiologist will talk you through the risks before surgery to fully know of any complications that may arise.

The expertise and skill of our expert medical team of heart valve cardiologists and cardiac surgeons led by Mr Birdi make the operation as swift as possible, and they will talk you through the benefits and risks of undergoing TAVI surgery. Sometimes, we will recommend having ARTAVR or traditional heart valve surgery as the TAVI procedure is still relatively new, and the long-term benefits are still relatively unknown. We are happy to provide a Second Opinion for any diagnosis you may have received so that you can see other options available to you.

Speak to Our Team Today About the TAVI Heart Procedure

A TAVI operation might be an ideal solution for those suffering from aortic valve stenosis. Contact us today to arrange a consultation either in our London clinic, Nottingham clinic or an online appointment. For more information from our experts, please view our video section full of further insight and information from our team.

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