What To Expect Before, During, And After The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure?
Ask Dr. Arun For Any Queries Related To TAVR Procedure!
Aortic valve replacement is a surgery to replace the thickened or stenotic aortic valve with a new valve so that the reduced flow of blood leaving from the heart towards the aorta and then the entire body can be restored back to normal flow. An open-heart surgery is the traditional method of aortic valve replacement and is done through a large incision in the chest. On the other hand, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a newer, more technologically superior, and less invasive type of aortic valve replacement that does not require an open heart surgery to replace the valve. In fact, this type of minimally invasive surgery is recommended specifically in those patients who are at critical risk of developing complications from an open-heart surgery.
How It Is Done?
TAVR is done through a small incision in the skin. A catheter (a thin tube) is inserted through the incision and driven towards the aorta. The new valve is then threaded through the catheter and into the heart. Once in place, the new valve opens and closes just like a normal aortic valve. TAVR may also be an option for people who have had an open-heart surgery in the past and are no longer a good candidate for undergoing another open-heart surgery.
What To Expect Before, During, And After The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure?
If you’re scheduled for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), you may be wondering what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from start to finish.
- Before The Procedure – Once you’re scheduled for the procedure, your doctor will go over what to expect and how to prepare. You’ll have to undergo a pre-procedure echocardiogram to assess your heart valve function. You’ll likely be asked to:
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- Stop taking certain medications
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- Fast for a period of time before the procedure
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- Arrange a drive back home upon discharge
- During The Procedure – TAVR is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the skin and threaded through your blood vessels towards your heart. Once the catheter is in place, the replacement valve is deployed and expanded. Once the new valve is in place, the incisions are then closed.
- After The Procedure – After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in the recovery room. You may have a chest x-ray to check the correct position of the new valve. You may also have another echocardiogram to assess your valve function. You will be discharged within 24-48 hours after the surgery. You’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks and avoid strenuous activity. You may also need to take blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. Your doctor will follow up with you to check your progress and assess your new valve function.
Ask Dr. Arun For Any Queries Related To TAVR Procedure!
It is important to consult an expert interventional cardiologist who is highly skilled and experienced in doing a TAVR with most successful post-surgical outcomes. If you or any of your family members are contemplating a TAVR surgery, you can directly ask your queries with Dr. Arun is an expert in interventional cardiology. He is highly skilled and has a proven track record of performing a TAVR surgery to perfection.
