TAVI: A New Life for your Heart

The heart is a pump that propels blood throughout the body. Inside it are gates (valves) that open and close to allow blood to flow in the right direction and not back out. On certain occasions, these valves do not work efficiently, as in the case of severe aortic stenosis, in which progressive and irreversible cardiac degeneration occurs. It is a fatal disease that usually occurs between 70 and 80 years of age.

The treatment of this disease was limited to open heart surgery until 2003, when Dr. Alain Cribier began to perform TAVI or TAVR surgeries, which stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. This is a medical procedure in which the damaged aortic valve is replaced by a new artificial one, placed through a catheter similar to the one used for the placement of a stent in heart studies.

It is a minimally invasive procedure, in which the physician performing the procedure has several options to enter and perform the valve replacement; this can be from the groin area (through the femoral artery) or through a small incision in the chest (access through the aorta or subclavian artery) or through the tip of the heart. In this sense, TAVI surgeries, as well as valves, have improved their safety and performance over time.

A case of success at Clínica de la Vida.

On September 2, 2024, TAVI surgery was performed on a 78-year-old male patient from the state of Sucre (Cumana), who came to the present center in search of treatment for severe aortic stenosis that affected his daily life activities, especially the activity that made him happy: walking. He came to the present center in search of treatment for severe aortic stenosis that affected the development of daily life activities and especially the activity that made his life happy: walks along the coast.
During the entire procedure the patient was awake under conscious sedation; the procedure lasted 45 minutes. Subsequently he was in the intensive care area for observation for 24 hours (as part of the safety protocol), when he left he was walking and after 48 hours he was medically discharged. He was reevaluated a week later and was planning to return to his beloved Cumana.
At Clínica Santiago de León performing TAVI surgeries, and being able to offer our patients and their families an alternative to a life-threatening disease fills us with immense joy.

Some symptoms of aortic valve malfunction are:

• Chest pain in the area of the heart.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling tired easily or fatigued.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting.
• Dizziness.

What are the advantages of TAVI?

• Lower risk of infection.
• Less invasive.
• Rapid recovery.
• Less likelihood of complications.
• Faster medical discharge.
• Better quality of life.
  What are the risks and complications associated with TAVI?
  No medical procedure is free of risks, specifically in TAVI, bleeding from the access route, infection of the surgical site, stroke, blood vessel damage, problems with the new prosthetic valve and cardiac arrhythmias are associated.
  In the medium and short term, complications include valve deterioration, blood clot formation and leakage around the valve. However, with proper follow-up, these risks can be minimized.

Who is an appropriate candidate for TAVI?

TAVI is indicated for patients with severe aortic stenosis with symptoms who are at high risk for open heart surgery due to advanced age or previous medical conditions. Currently, international guidelines, such as the American Heart Association’s, establish that the outcome of TAVI (minimally invasive) surgery is comparable to that of open heart aortic valve replacement surgery, classifying the risk as high, intermediate and low.

What should I expect after a TAVI procedure?

First of all, it is important to remember that, although it is a minimally invasive procedure, you should rest after TAVI. Recovery is usually faster than that of open heart surgery and is closely influenced by following the instructions given by the doctor.

In a short time, you will be able to return to your daily activities progressively, attending regular follow-up visits with your cardiologist to evaluate your recovery.

How can I prepare for the TAVI procedure?

Your cardiologist will perform a complete evaluation to determine if you are a candidate and identify any risks; prior to the procedure they will probably adjust the doses of some of the medications you are taking and finally the planning of the TAVI.

Below we answer some of the frequently asked questions you may have when considering this procedure:

What type of anesthesia is used during TAVI?

Generalmente se usa anestesia general, pero dependerá del criterio del médico.

What is the difference between TAVI and open heart surgery to replace the aortic valve?

The main difference is that TAVI is a less invasive procedure performed through a catheter, whereas open heart surgery requires a larger incision in the chest.

How long does the TAVI procedure take?

The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the complexity of the case, but generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

Can I lead a normal life after TAVI?

Yes, but it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

What is the life expectancy after TAVI?

Life expectancy after TAVI depends on several factors, such as the patient’s age, general health and any complications that may arise.

Dr. Jesus Guzman – Interventional Cardiologist

Remember that if you are looking for a provider of medical services of Cardiology in Caracas, in Clinica Santiago de Leon we have advances in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery that allow our experts to indicate the best treatment option.

Schedule your appointment today:
+58 4122297781
Hola@csleon.com
0212.308.1900 Op 2