FAQs: TAVR Surgery

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

1. What is TAVR surgery?

TAVR surgery is the abbreviated form of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, it is commonly used in place of TAVI surgery which in turn stands for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Actually, both of these surgical interventions for helping the patient to achieve a healthy heart by treating the damaged aortic valve are based upon the same methodology, that is the damaged aortic valve is not removed, instead either it is repaired as in TAVR surgery or the substitute of the damaged aortic valve is welded in its position.

2. What are the indicators for TAVR surgery?

The cardiologist in the field has always advised surgical interventions in the course of medical treatments when medications and other forms of conservative treatments fail to perform. TAVR surgery becomes a necessity when the damage inflicted upon the aortic valve has actually started to harm the health condition of the heart. This can put the patient at further risk of damage. A clear diagnosis of this cardiovascular problem determines the necessity of TAVR surgery to be performed.

3. What all cardiovascular problems can be treated by TAVR surgery?

As the name of this surgery itself stands for transcatheter aortic valve replacement/ implantation surgery, the entire focus of this treatment is upon aortic valve. TAVR surgery is an effective treatment to treat a damaged aortic valve. Majorly, TAVR surgery is recommended for patients who are suffering from aortic valve stenosis.

4. What methodologies or approaches are used for performing TAVR surgery?

The basic concept to perform TAVR surgery is to heal the damaged aortic valve. The cardiologists first evaluate the condition of the aortic valve, if there is scope for recovery in it, TAVR is performed. On the other hand, the absolute failure of the aortic valve has to be treated by implanting a prosthetic aortic valve at the position of the natural aortic valve. One approach common to both of these transcatheter aortic valve treatment is the use of catheter and non-removal of the damaged aortic valve, in TAVI surgery, the prosthetic is welded in the position of the damaged aortic valve.

5. What are the details of diagnosis which precedes TAVR surgery?

TAVR surgery is a complex medical treatment, doctors want to ensure the impact and extent of the cardiovascular problem which made this surgery a necessity. A detailed diagnostic procedure along with a physical examination and evaluation of the patient’s medical history is performed before the operation. Laboratory tests such as CT scans, MRI tests, and X-rays are common. Blood tests and biopsies are also performed for a clear assessment. Some special tests can also be prescribed for a clear evaluation of the underlying condition.

6. Are there any special instructions/ precautions to be taken as pre-operative care of TAVR surgery?

It is advised that the patient should eat a healthy meal and any kind of junk food should be clearly avoided. If the patient is addicted to smoking or alcohol, this habit should not be followed pre and post TAVR surgery. Any form of unnecessary pressure on the heart can worse the problem, therefore no forms of exhaustive practices such as heavy should not be brought into action.

7. Whatfactors make a candidate eligible for TAVR surgery?

If the patient is not suitable for open-heart surgery, TAVR surgery is recommended. Secondly, the age factor also determines the eligibility of a patient to undergo TAVR surgery, patients who are plus seventy years of age are advised to undergo a TAVR surgery and not the traditional forms of surgery.

8. What are the risks of complications of TAVR surgery?

Bleeding, damage to blood vessels, dislocation of the aortic valve, stroke, heart arrhythmias, heart attack, infection, and harm to kidneys are the associated risks of TAVR surgery. In rare cases, the results can be fatal.

Conclusion

The best heart specialist in Delhi who is currently working in a prominent heart bypass surgery hospital in India advises the patients to clarify all their doubts about any type of medical treatments especially if it is TAVI heart valve replacement surgery or surgeries for aortic valve implantation in Delhi. It is important to know the details of heart bypass surgery in Delhi or whatever place in the country where the best services can be reached to.