Dr Priya Sharma Healthcare Professional
TAVI or Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, also known as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a minimally-invasive type of heart procedure performed to repair or replace a damaged or diseased aortic valve.
There are four valves present in the heart. The aortic valve is one of the heart valves situated between the lower-left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the main artery of the heart (aorta).
The doctor recommends undergoing certain diagnostic tests before TAVI surgery. In this article, we will discuss the diagnostic procedure before TAVI surgery.

When is TAVI surgery done?
TAVI surgery is recommended in the following cases:
Aortic valve stenosis: The narrowing of the valve in the large blood vessel that branches off the heart, known as the aorta, is known as aortic valve stenosis. This prevents the valve from opening completely, reduces the blood flow to the body, and makes the heart work harder. TAVI surgery is recommended to restore the flow of blood and reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.
Failure of biological tissue aortic valve: A biological tissue aortic valve is an artificial valve made of human or animal tissue. When this valve is not functioning properly, TAVI surgery is recommended.
Co-morbidities with a heart condition: A person having a heart disease along with other co-morbidities, like kidney and lung diseases, cannot undergo an invasive surgery like open heart surgery. In such cases, TAVI surgery is recommended.
Sensitivity to open heart surgery: Certain patients are not medically fit to undergo open heart surgery. In such cases, a minimally-invasive procedure such as TAVI surgery is recommended.

Who is not eligible to undergo TAVI surgery?
TAVI surgery is not recommended in the following cases:
Presence of an active infection
Presence of a mechanical valve
Cannot take blood-thinning medications
Is likely to have a reaction to certain metals
Is likely to have a reaction to certain imaging solutions

What are the diagnostic tests recommended before TAVI surgery?
The doctor recommends undergoing the following diagnostic tests before TAVI surgery:
Physical examination: The doctor will first evaluate the symptoms of the patient. The doctor will use a stethoscope to check if a heart murmur sound or whooshing sound can be heard, which is indicative of an aortic valve condition. The patient’s medical history and family history are also noted.
Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to obtain images of the heart in motion. The severity of the aortic valve stenosis and identification of a weakened heart muscle can be done using this test.
Transesophageal echocardiogram: A flexible tube containing a transducer is guided down the throat into the food pipe (esophagus) in this test. It enables the doctor to view the inside of the body.
Electrocardiogram or ECG: This type of test is performed to record the electrical activity of the heart by attaching small sensors, called electrodes, to the chest, arms, and legs area. It helps in the detection of heart diseases, abnormal heart rhythms, and enlarged heart chambers.
Chest x-ray: This test enables the doctor in checking if the heart is enlarged, which could be a sign of aortic valve stenosis. The test also helps the doctor to check if there is a buildup of calcium on the aortic valve or if there is any aorta swelling.
Stress test: The patient is asked to run on a treadmill or do some kind of physical activity or given medication to check if the patient exhibits any symptoms of aortic valve disease.
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan: This is a type of imaging test performed to obtain clear pictures of the heart. This test is performed to measure the size of the aorta and have a closer look at the aortic valve.
Cardiac MRI scan: This type of imaging test makes use of a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the heart. The severity of the aortic valve condition and the size of the aorta can be evaluated using this test.
Cardiac catheterization: A thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, is inserted by the doctor through a blood vessel in the groin or arm region. This catheter is then guided to an artery in the heart. Sometimes, a dye could be injected to make the arteries appear clearer in the x-ray. This type of test is recommended to check that the coronary arteries (arteries feeding the heart muscles) are blocked or not.

How to prepare for TAVI surgery?
A patient undergoing TAVI surgery will need to undergo the following preparation:
Inform the doctor if you are currently taking any medications, herbs, or supplements.
Discuss with your doctor if you have any health ailments.
If you have any known allergy or sensitivity to any medications, iodine, tape, anesthesia, or latex, let your doctor know about the same.
Try to quit smoking at least a couple of weeks before surgery.
You will be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medic
https://www.logintohealth.com/blog/en/heart-diseases/cost-of-tavi-in-mum...
Mar 18th 2023 06:10