TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. It is also frequently referred to as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement). The pioneer of TAVI procedure is professor ALAIN CRIBIERE who performed this procedure for the first time on a human being in 2004.
It’s a minimally invasive medical procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve in the heart. The aortic valve is crucial because it controls the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Here’s a breakdown of what TAVI is and why it’s done:
What it treats:
TAVI is primarily used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows and stiffens. This narrowing makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, leading to symptoms like:
* Chest pain (angina)
* Shortness of breath
* Fatigue
* Dizziness
How it works:
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which requires a large incision in the chest, TAVI is performed using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube). The procedure typically involves:
* Access: A small incision is made, usually in the groin (to access the femoral artery), or sometimes in the chest.
* Catheter insertion: A catheter containing a new, collapsible artificial valve (made from animal tissue, often from a cow or pig) is inserted into a blood vessel.
* Guidance: The catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to the heart and positioned within the old, diseased aortic valve.
* Valve deployment: The new valve is expanded, either by a balloon or by self-expansion, pushing the old valve leaflets aside and taking over its function. The new valve sits inside the old one.
* Catheter removal: Once the new valve is securely in place, the catheter is removed.
Who is it for:
TAVI was initially developed as an alternative to open-heart surgery for patients who were considered high-risk for traditional surgery due to age, frailty, or other serious health conditions. However, with advancements in technology and techniques, it is now also being used for patients with intermediate and even some low surgical risks.
Benefits of TAVI:
* Minimally invasive, meaning smaller incisions and generally less trauma to the body.
* Shorter hospital stays compared to open-heart surgery.
* Quicker recovery times.
* Significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life for many patients.
Important Note: The decision to undergo TAVI is made by a team of heart specialists (cardiologists and cardiac surgeons) who assess the individual patient’s condition, risks, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment.