TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery used to treat heart valve narrowing, specifically aortic stenosis. It involves inserting a new valve through a catheter, avoiding the need for traditional surgery. Despite its complexity, particularly in cases with highly calcified and tortuous abdominal aorta and severely calcified aortic valves, Dr. Maulik Parekh and his team at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital successfully performed this procedure on Mr. Allwyn Almeida, making him the oldest patient in Western India to undergo TAVR.
Dr. Parekh emphasized the meticulous planning required for such surgeries, especially in complex cases like Mr. Almeida’s, who had previously overcome Covid-19. The success of nine TAVR procedures within 30 days, despite their complexity, is a significant achievement.
TAVR offers a comprehensive treatment option for patients with heart valve stenosis, attracting more patients due to its non-invasive nature, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, CEO of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, attributed the positive clinical outcomes to the hospital’s infrastructure, technology, and clinical expertise.
In addition to Mr. Almeida’s case, other patients have benefited from TAVR. For instance, a 62-year-old cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, deemed unfit for open heart valve replacement due to comorbidities, successfully underwent TAVR under local anesthesia and was discharged the next day. Similarly, a 70-year-old woman with a history of two open heart surgeries underwent a minimally invasive “valve in valve” procedure for degenerated mitral valve tissue, leading to her discharge within 48 hours.
Despite the challenges posed by the Omicron pandemic, the TAVR team at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital performed a remarkable total of nine procedures in January 22, underscoring their commitment to patient care amidst challenging circumstances.
TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, offers a solution for restoring blood flow and managing symptoms associated with aortic valve stenosis, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. It serves as a viable option for individuals at high risk of complications from traditional surgical procedures like open-heart surgery.
Before proceeding with TAVR, a thorough evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of heart specialists and cardiac surgeons. Together, they assess the patient’s condition and determine the most suitable treatment approach. TAVR may also be referred to as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
Candidates for TAVR typically include individuals with severe aortic stenosis experiencing significant symptoms, as well as those with a biological tissue aortic valve functioning below optimal levels. Additionally, individuals with other health conditions, such as lung or kidney disease, that elevate the risks associated with traditional open-heart surgery may also be considered for TAVR.