TAVI: Heart Valve Replacement Method Without Surgery

What is TAVI?

TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a valve replacement procedure applied with closed method and applied to patients who developed narrowing of aortic valve (aortic stenosis) which is the main outflow valve on the left side of heart. Nowadays, it is accepted as an innovative and reliable method used in the treatment of heart valve diseases.

TAVI is suitable for patients that are especially old, have other diseases or for patients whom it would be risky to have a major surgery under general anesthesia. This procedure helps prevent symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain by increasing the pumping power of the heart.

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In Which Situations TAVI Procedure is applied?

TAVI procedure is preferred generally in aortic valve narrowing (aortic stenosis). While the heart is pumping blood, it sends blood into the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Aortic valve is a bridge between heart and aorta. In aortic valve narrowing, sufficient blood cannot be supplied to body as the valve cannot open properly. Therefore, the individual develops complaints like chest pain and shortness of breath. This is a disease seen more frequently in elderly people since calcification develops in this valve with age.

Additional to the aortic valve stenosis, TAVI procedure can be applied in conditions such as below:

• Aortic valve stenosis being advanced and seeing symptoms like severe shortness of breath, getting exhausted quickly, chest pain, loss of consciousness
• Patients who are under high risk for open heart surgery (old age, other accompanying diseases etc.)
• Individuals who previously underwent heart surgery (like bypass) and have the risk of repeat surgical intervention
• Patients who cannot have general anesthesia or tolerate long healing process

How is TAVI Procedure Applied?

TAVI is a procedure generally applied by entering through femoral artery. Anesthesia type is determined according to patient’s general condition. Generally, light sedation or local anesthesia are preferred.

After entering the artery with a needle, heart is reached with guide wire and a balloon catheter is advanced to the narrowed aortic valve. The balloon which was advanced with guide wire and catheter is inflated at the narrowed aortic valve. Therefore, an area where the new valve can pass is opened.

A new biological heart valve is placed through the guide wire and it starts working as soon as it is placed. Thus, heart does not need to be stopped during the TAVI procedure. When the procedure ends, guide wire is removed and a few sutures are placed to the region. It is a procedure that takes 2 hours in average. Most patients are discharged a few days after the procedure and can return to daily life.

What are the advantages of TAVI?

TAVI is a minimally invasive heart valve replacement method performed as an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Because it is not interventional, it has many advantages compared to open surgery.

These advantages are as follows:

• There is no need for open heart surgery
• Heart is not stopped during the procedure
• Complication risk is lower
• It is suitable for elderly patients and/or those with a high surgical risk
• It has a rapid recovery process
• It can be performed with sedation or local anesthesia
• It quickly increases the quality of life. Physical capacity of the patient increases
• It is safe for patients who are at risk of repeat operation

Frequently Asked Questions About TAVI Procedure

How Long Does the TAVI Method Take?

TAVI method takes about 2 hours.

What are the Risks of TAVI?

Like any medical procedure, TAVI also carries certain risks. Some of these include bleeding or bruising at the entry site, heart rhythm disturbances and bleeding risk related to blood-thinning medications.

What is the cost of TAVI?

For current price information, you can fill the form above or contact Medipol Health Group.

Can Heart Valve Replacement be Performed Closed?

Yes, because of TAVI method, the aortic valve can be replaced using a closed (non-invasive) method.

Can Heart Valve be Replaced without Surgery?

TAVI is a method that allows valve replacement without classical surgery. For this reason, it is also commonly referred to as “non-surgical heart valve replacement”.

Who performs TAVI?

The TAVI procedure is performed through the collaborative work of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery specialists.

Can Heart Valve Surgery Be Performed Again?

Yes, in patients who have previously undergone valve replacement, a repeat procedure may be necessary if the valve loses its function over time.

Is TAVI Procedure Painful?

No, TAVI is generally performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. The patient does not feel pain during the procedure.