What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao

1. WHAT IS TAVR? ● TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and it is about heart valve replacement. ● The aortic valve is one of the four valves present in our heart that transports blood into the largest artery i.e., the aorta, from the left side (left ventricle) of the heart. Valves make sure that the blood flows in one direction thus preventing the backflow of blood into the heart. ● Aorta delivers oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body, valve connected to this major artery is thus named the aortic valve. ● Aortic stenosis is a condition of narrowing down the aortic valve causing the reduced blood supply to the body and can occur due to various reasons. ● The severity of this condition is the deciding factor of the treatment procedure which is followed, without which it may prove fatal. ● A well-experienced cardiologist with hands-on experience in performing complex surgeries opts for a minimally invasive technique to replace or repair the damaged valve using a technique called TAVR. ● TAVR can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis such as chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc.

2. WHY TAVR BECAME A POPULAR PROCEDURE? ● People with high risk during open heart surgeries are advised for TAVR as it is a non-invasive procedure. ● The aortic valve tends to degenerate with increasing age, and people that age have a high risk of open heart surgeries, especially with existing other ailments or kidney dysfunctions or other blockages. TAVR in such cases, becomes a revolutionary procedure saving the lives of many and aims to save the lives of many. ● This technique was earlier recommended to people with high risk for open heart surgeries but is advised lately to people with intermediate and low risks for other surgeries. ● Also, this procedure requires hospitalization for lesser days. ● Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao, The Best TAVR Expert is giving the best treatment for TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) in Jaipur, India. RISKS OF TAVR PROCEDURE: Usually, the procedure is safe and has the least side effects or risks. But no procedure is 100% safe and shows some problems in a few cases. Risks might include one of the following: ● Heart attack ● Bleeding ● Stroke ● Infections ● Kidney failure ● Failure or leakage of new valve ● Damage to blood vessels WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TAVR? ● People who had undergone valve replacement surgeries prior and that failed. ● People with a high risk of open-heart surgeries. ● People with other kidney or heart diseases are at risk of complications from other invasive surgical procedures. WHICH TESTS ARE NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED BEFORE THE TAVR PROCEDURE? Before performing the procedure following tests are recommended to be performed: ● Blood tests

3. ● Echocardiogram ● Electrocardiogram ● CT scans ● Catheterization TAVR PROCEDURE: ● A team of cardiologists, imaging experts, and cardiac anaesthesiologists work together to perform this procedure effectively. ● There is no open-heart surgery as it is a non-invasive technique hence is put forward to use over conventional surgical procedures but has to be done with efficacy and precision. ● A catheter is placed through a vein in the groin region from where the imaging specialists guide its way to the heart. ● The Transcatheter valve is placed on the catheter, it is then positioned on the mitral valve. The transcatheter valve then expands securing its place following which the catheter is removed from its place i.e., the blood vessel. ● The patient is kept on sedation for the entire procedure for the precision of the technique. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TAVR PROCEDURE? ● After the procedure is done, the medical staff stops the sedation to bring you back to the senses and will keep the patient under observation for at least 24 hours in the ICU. ● The vitals of the patient is monitored that includes BP, oxygen levels, pulse rate, and temperature. ● If the catheter is inserted from the groin area, the patient is kept in bed for several days (at least 3-4 days) so that the stitches are well recovered. This is because the catheter is inserted from a major vein. ● The site of insertion of the catheter is also monitored for infections. ● Regular follow-up also includes blood tests, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram to check the activity of the heart as usual. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAVR AND AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT SURGERY? ● The basic difference lies in the principle of both procedures. TAVR is a non-invasive procedure that includes no cut in the chest region. The catheter is inserted from the vein in the groin region whereas Aortic valve replacement is open heart surgery where an artificial valve is inserted by forming an incision in the chest region. ● Another major limitation is the period of recovery. Patients undergoing TAVR recover faster compared to open heart surgeries.

4. ● TAVR can be performed in cases with high, moderate, and low risks of heart surgeries whereas Aortic valve replacement can be performed only with low risks cases. Who is the best TAVR Expert in India? Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao is the Best TAVR Expert in India because he replaced a double valve without open heart surgery for the first time in India at Eternal Hospital. Consult with him for the best Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Treatment on the emergency helpline number +91-7891791586.