What Is TAVR Procedure for Surgery and How Does It Work?

Updated at: 11 Apr 2023

Introduction

TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a new minimally invasive surgical technique. This technique enables surgeons to replace or repair damaged heart valves without open-heart surgery. TAVR procedure in Hyderabad offers patients with severe aortic stenosis a less risky, quicker alternative to traditional heart surgery and can dramatically improve one’s quality of life quickly. Here we will discuss what TAVR is, why it may benefit certain patients, and how the TAVR procedure in Hyderabad works.

What is TAVR?

If you are experiencing heart problems that require an aortic valve replacement, there is a new option available called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This medical procedure provides a less invasive way to replace the aortic valve in your heart, designed to avoid open-heart surgery. TAVR is the most commonly used method to replace the aortic valve today. This procedure brings new hope for patients seeking an easier and safer path to recovery.

What is the need for TAVR?

Research suggests that TAVR surgery success rate is so high now a days and it offers better outcomes than open-heart surgery, provided that your health and personal circumstances allow the procedure.

Suppose there is a biological tissue aortic which is working not properly, or you have any lung disease. In that case, you will face many more issues if you are going through any open-heart valve replacement surgery. In this case, your doctor will suggest TAVR surgery.

By opting for TAVR, you can experience a smoother road to recovery and a better quality of life. So rest assured that this revolutionary medical procedure is here to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

TAVR Procedure for surgery

Revitalising your heart has become easier than ever with this latest medical procedure. It is known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This technique employs a biological tissue valve to replace a damaged aortic valve, rejuvenating your hearts performance. But what sets TAVR apart is its minimally invasive approach. Involving small incisions and a catheter, ensuring a faster recovery time compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

What happens during the TAVR procedure?

Typically TAVR procedure in Hyderabad, lasts an hour, and the process begins with the administration of either moderate sedation or general anaesthesia. Although similar, these two techniques differ in the way they work.

1. General anaesthesia:

General anaesthesia involves putting you to sleep through medication, which a certified registered nurse anaesthetist or anesthesiologist will monitor. This means you wont feel any pain during the procedure. A tube connects to a ventilator that functions as an artificial breathing machine to ensure that you maintain breathing. But the tube is only removed once the process is complete.

2. Moderate sedation:

Experience a pain-free dental procedure with the magic of moderate sedation. This technique puts you to sleep, like anaesthesia, but with less intensity. You wont have to be hooked up to a ventilator, and you will wake up feeling asleep.

When undergoing TAVR, your interventional cardiologist will use a catheter to replace your aortic valve. This is typically done through the artery in your upper thigh, but other options exist, such as the subclavian or a direct aortic approach. Such as:

• They may go through your subclavian, which is under the collarbone.

• The trans-apical is between your ribs and straight to your heart.

• The last one is the direct aortic, which is just below the end of your neck and the start of your chest.

  
  

Once the catheter reaches the aortic valve, the doctor will place a new valve inside the old one and expand it. Afterwards, your old valve will be pushed aside, and a new one will occur. The catheter will be removed, and the entry point will be stitched and bandaged.

 After the TAVR procedure:

Following your TAVR procedure, you will gradually awaken without the help of general anaesthesia. However, wait to be too eager to hop out of bed. The medical team will keep you resting for a few hours because the catheter entry point was a major blood vessel. They need to make sure the stitches are secure to prevent any bleeding. Once you are given the green light, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program. This program is like a personalised workout plan involving a group of medical professionals from different backgrounds. You will work with exercise physiologists, nutritionists, nurses, and doctors to ensure a smooth recovery process.

By building up your cardiovascular health, you will speed up your recovery and set yourself up for a brighter and healthier future. 

What kind of diet should you follow after the TAVR Surgery?

After TAVR surgery, improving heart health can be a priority. And is a healthy diet that could be the key to avoiding further heart problems, according to a recent study. You can go with Mediterranean style with your food choices. Focusing on fruits, vegetables, fish and unrefined foods. You should aim to regulate your blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart by increasing your intake of whole grains while swapping out fatty meats for fish whenever possible.

 Conclusion

TAVR surgery is an incredibly advanced and innovative procedure that has helped countless people who need help with some of their heart challenges. Even though it is a relatively new procedure, many cardiologists recognise all the potential benefits it can bring to their patients. Still, it is important to understand how this procedure works and the risks before committing yourself to surgery. Talk to your doctor for more information you may have about TAVR procedure in Hyderabad. DrMD Asif encourages you to research and talk to your doctor when considering any medical procedure. So feel free to ask questions to know more about TAVR and become informed before deciding on anything medical-related.

FAQs

What is the recovery time for TAVR surgery?

 After undergoing TAVR, patients can usually leave the hospital after just a day. Although recovery time varies from person to person, with factors like overall health considered, most individuals can return to their regular routine within a few days or so. Your healthcare provider can give you a more specific estimate of how long you will need to take things slow.

What are the restrictions after a TAVR procedure?

 To allow the patients incisions to heal properly, we recommend avoiding driving for at least 72 hours and holding off on vigorous exercise for 10 days. The recovery time post-TAVR is much speedier than that of traditional heart surgery. Most patients can get back to their usual routines within just two weeks.

What do you monitor after TAVR?

Doctors often recommend AECG monitoring to detect any potential conduction defects that may occur. Research indicates that up to 15% of patients who undergo AECG before TAVR may have atrial fibrillation or AV block that still needs to be detected. By monitoring your heart rhythm through AECG, your doctor can help identify any issues and take action to address them.

How long does a TAVR procedure last?

 TAVR is the speedy option. In just 90 minutes, patients can have the procedure completed, which is a far cry from the 4-to-6-hour open heart surgery alternative. Recovery time is also quicker after TAVR, making it a preferred route. Most patients have mild sedation and no need for general anaesthesia.

Who is at high risk for TAVR?

The TAVR procedure is currently approved for those deemed high risk, including individuals in their 80s and those battling severe conditions like heart failure and lung disease.