TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) | Nonsurgical Aortic Valve Replacement | MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a nonsurgical interventional cardiology method applied in the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. Who can undergo TAVI, how is it performed, and what is the treatment process like? Get detailed information with the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Osman Beton.
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
Heart valve diseases are among the major cardiovascular conditions that disrupt the normal blood flow of the heart and can lead to serious health problems over time. In particular, aortic valve stenosis is a valve disease that becomes more common with advancing age and, when left untreated, can cause severe symptoms such as heart failure, fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath. For many years, the standard treatment method for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis has been valve replacement through open-heart surgery. However, thanks to advancing interventional cardiology technologies today, valve replacement can be performed without requiring surgery in suitable patients. TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is one of the advanced treatment methods developed for this purpose.
During the TAVI procedure, a biological prosthetic valve is placed inside the existing diseased aortic valve with the help of thin catheters without removing the original valve. The procedure is mostly performed through the groin artery and does not require opening the chest cage. Therefore, it is evaluated as an important treatment option, especially for patients with high surgical risk or those deemed suitable. However, TAVI is not suitable for every aortic valve patient. The treatment decision is made by a multidisciplinary team as a result of an evaluation of the patient’s age, valve structure, accompanying diseases, and detailed cardiological assessment.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, the TAVI procedure is evaluated by our Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Beton in line with current international guidelines on cardiology and valve diseases. The goal is to plan a safe and effective interventional process by determining the most appropriate treatment method for each patient.
What is TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)?
TAVI is a minimally invasive interventional cardiology method applied in the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. During the procedure, a biological prosthetic aortic valve is placed inside the existing valve with the help of a thin catheter, and the new valve starts working immediately.
Thanks to this method, valve replacement can be performed without opening the chest cage and without undergoing open-heart surgery. Today, it is one of the widely performed treatment options worldwide in the appropriate patient group.
Who Can Undergo TAVI?
TAVI is not applied to every aortic valve patient. The treatment decision is made after a detailed cardiological evaluation.
TAVI can be evaluated in the following patient groups:
Patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis
Suitable patients whose surgical risk assessment has been performed
Individuals who carry high risk in terms of open-heart surgery
Patients meeting specific anatomical criteria
Cases deemed suitable by the Heart Team
Which treatment method will be applied is evaluated specifically for each patient.
Which Tests are Performed Before TAVI?
Before planning TAVI, the patient’s heart valve structure and general health status are evaluated in detail.
When deemed necessary;
Cardiology examination
Echocardiography
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Blood tests
Coronary angiography
Cardiac CT (TAVI protocol)
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) when necessary
Imaging methods aimed at evaluating vascular structure
can be applied.
Thanks to these examinations, valve measurements are taken, the vascular structure is evaluated, and the TAVI system to be applied is determined.
How is TAVI Performed?
The TAVI procedure is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the interventional cardiology laboratory or hybrid operating room. Most frequently, the aortic valve is reached using a thin catheter via the artery in the groin region.
The biological valve located on the catheter is placed inside the diseased valve under the guidance of special imaging methods. When the valve reaches the appropriate position, it expands and begins working immediately. The old valve is mostly not removed; the new valve assumes its function by being placed inside the existing valve.
The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the patient’s anatomical characteristics and the technique applied. Following the procedure, patients are evaluated under intensive care and ward monitoring. Discharge is planned according to general health status.
What Are the Advantages of TAVI?
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is one of the effective interventional cardiology methods applied in the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in the appropriate patient group. Because it does not require opening the chest cage and can be applied with a minimally invasive technique, it can offer significant advantages, especially in suitable patients. However, it cannot be said that every patient is suitable for TAVI. The treatment decision should be made in line with a detailed cardiological evaluation and the joint decision of the heart team.
In suitable patients, TAVI;
Can contribute to alleviating symptoms associated with aortic valve stenosis.
Can help reduce complaints such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and quick fatigue.
Can support the heart in pumping blood more efficiently.
Can contribute to maintaining daily life activities more comfortably.
Can form an important treatment option in patients who are not suitable for open-heart surgery or carry high surgical risk.
Can contribute to a shorter recovery process in suitable patients.
The benefit provided by the treatment may vary depending on the patient’s age, general health status, valve structure, cardiac functions, and accompanying diseases.
Are There Risks to the TAVI Procedure?
TAVI is considered among safe procedures when performed by experienced interventional cardiology teams. Nevertheless, like any interventional procedure, certain risks cannot be completely eliminated.
Before the procedure, valve structure, vascular anatomy, and general health status are evaluated in detail. During or after the procedure, the patient is closely monitored for vascular-related complications, bleeding, rhythm disorders, temporary or permanent pacemaker requirement, and other rarely observed complications. While creating the treatment plan, possible benefits of the procedure and risks are evaluated together to determine the most appropriate approach for the patient.
Post-TAVI Recovery Process
Following TAVI, patients are kept under observation in the intensive care unit and cardiology ward for a certain period. The follow-up process is planned according to the patient’s general health status, post-procedural findings, and accompanying diseases.
After discharge, regular use of medications recommended by the cardiology specialist, not missing follow-up appointments, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits carry great importance. Functions of the new valve are evaluated through regular echocardiography checks.
A large majority of patients can return to daily life activities in a controlled manner in line with physician recommendations.
The Importance of Experience in TAVI Treatment
The TAVI procedure is one of the interventional cardiology applications requiring advanced technology and the collaborative work of multiple fields of expertise. Accurate patient selection, precise valve measurements, determination of the appropriate valve system, and performance of the procedure by an experienced team are among the most important factors affecting the success of the treatment.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Prof. Dr. Osman Beton evaluates the necessity of TAVI by analyzing patients’ echocardiography findings, computed tomography images, coronary angiography results, and other cardiological evaluations in detail. The treatment plan is created individually for each patient in line with current international guidelines on cardiology and valve diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TAVI an open-heart surgery?
No. TAVI is not open-heart surgery. The procedure is a minimally invasive interventional cardiology method performed mostly using thin catheters through the groin artery.
Who is TAVI suitable for?
It can be applied to patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis who are determined to be suitable as a result of a detailed evaluation. The decision on suitability is made by the heart team.
Is a permanent pacemaker required after TAVI?
In some patients, the electrical conduction system of the heart may be affected after the procedure, and a permanent pacemaker requirement may arise. This possibility is evaluated in detail with the patient prior to the procedure.
How long can the placed valve be used?
The durability of the biological valve may vary depending on the valve model used, the patient’s age, and individual characteristics. Valve functions are monitored long-term through regular cardiology checks.
Is it possible to return to daily life after TAVI?
Yes. Provided that physician recommendations are followed and the follow-up process is maintained regularly, a large majority of patients can return to daily life activities in a controlled manner.
Conclusion
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is one of the modern and minimally invasive interventional cardiology methods applied in the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. Evaluated as an alternative to open-heart surgery in suitable patients, this method can contribute to restoring valve function, alleviating symptoms, and improving quality of life. However, since it may not be suitable for every patient, the treatment decision must strictly be made in line with a detailed cardiological evaluation and the joint opinion of the heart team.
As a result of comprehensive evaluations conducted by Prof. Dr. Osman Beton at MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, a personalized treatment plan is created for each patient. Patients applying from across Güzelyurt, TRNC, Cyprus, and North Cyprus can receive detailed evaluation regarding aortic valve stenosis, TAVI, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, heart valve diseases, interventional cardiology, and structural heart diseases. If you have shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting spells, or a diagnosis of severe aortic valve stenosis, an early cardiology evaluation carries great importance in terms of determining the appropriate treatment option.