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All you want to know about Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement(TAVR)

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Dr Raghu
All you want to know about Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement(TAVR)

A Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)  is conducted when a person suffers from Aortic valve stenosis. This is the condition where the Aortic valve thickens, obstructing blood flow to the heart. The invasive procedures restore the blood flow and also reduce symptoms of Aortic valve stenosis if any.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR or TAVI) is a procedure where the damaged valve is replaced by an artificial valve.

TAVR could be the alternative for people who face risk during open-heart surgery. This decision on whether a TAVR should be conducted is taken after discussions between eminent heart specialists. Read with us to know all about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.


Why is TAVR done?

First of all, we need to know why a TAVR is required. Aortic valve stenosis is the condition when the Aortic valve becomes thicker than usual. Instead of having an open heart aortic replacement surgery, doctors can recommend a TAVR. Your doctor could suggest a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the following cases:

  • High-risk Aortic stenosis
  • An aortic valve that is not working as it should
  • Another lung or heart ailment because of which you cannot have open-heart surgery




Risks of TAVR

Every surgery comes with its own risks. Here are the risks you might face with TAVR:

  • Bleeding
  • Complications in the blood vessels
  • Problems in working of valve replacements
  • Infections
  • Slow heart rhythm
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart Attack


How you should prepare for TAVR

If your doctor has suggested TAVR, here is how you should prepare for it.

  • Ask your doctor until before the surgery you can take food and medications. Is there any medication that you must continue to take after the surgery? 
  • Talk about any allergies that you have and if they could be a cause of worry
  • During this procedure, the team may ask you to avoid wearing the following
  1. Eyeglasses
  2. Jewelry
  3. Dentures
  4. Hearing aids
  5. Nail polish
  6. Eyeglasses


What happens after the procedure?

After the TAVR is over, you will have to spend your night in the ICU. How much time you will stay in the ICU will depend on your condition. Before they discharge, you will be told about how to take care of the stitches and signs there is an infection.

Some common symptoms of an infection could be:

  • Fever
  • Increase in pain
  • Redness around the area
  • Swelling
  • Draining and oozing near the Catheter site
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Feeling of tiredness


Medicines that you would be prescribed are:

  • Anticoagulant- This medication is prescribed to reduce the chances of Blood clotting. The doctor will tell you the duration for which you can take this medication.
  • Antibiotics- The valve could get infected with bacteria. Antibiotics are prescribed to ward off any such issues.


Summing up

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement could ease any thickness in your Aortic valve. However, you will have to take it easy even after the procedure is completed. You must stay away from habits like smoking and drinking. Follow a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Opt for regular exercise but only after consultation with your heart specialist. Get your TAVR done in time and look for a reputed clinic so that there are no risks seen later on. This is a very durable procedure and when done well it lasts for 10 to 20 years in the absence of complications.

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