TAVI

What is TAVI?

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a medical procedure used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve of the heart narrows, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

TAVI is a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacement. Instead of opening the patient’s chest and removing the failing aortic valve, TAVI allows for the implantation of a new valve using a catheter inserted into a peripheral artery, usually the femoral artery (in the groin) or the subclavian artery (in the shoulder).

The TAVI procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. A small catheter containing the new valve is inserted into the chosen artery, then guided to the aorta and the aortic valve. The new valve is then deployed at the site of the old valve using various techniques, such as balloon expansion or deployment of a self-expanding valve.

TAVI offers several advantages over open-heart surgery, including faster recovery, reduced post-operative complications, shorter hospital stays, and an option for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery due to their advanced age or associated health problems.

However, it should be noted that TAVI may not be suitable for all patients, and the decision to use this procedure is made after thorough evaluation by a specialized medical team. Each case is unique, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate treatment options.[vc_single_image image= “19653” img_size= “full” alignment= “center”]

TAVI Price

The price of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can vary depending on several factors. It is necessary to understand that the costs associated with TAVI include not only the procedure itself, but also hospital fees, medical consultations, pre-operative tests, medications, and post-operative care.

What are the different stages of the TAVI procedure?

The TAVI procedure, or transcatheter aortic valve implantation, involves several key steps to ensure the success of the procedure. Here is an overview of the different stages of this intervention.

• Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient is usually subjected to a thorough medical evaluation, including medical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests. These evaluations help determine the patient’s eligibility for TAVI. Once the patient is deemed eligible, the procedure is scheduled;
• Anesthesia: The TAVI procedure is usually performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and the medical team’s preferences. Anesthesia ensures the patient’s comfort during the procedure;
• Vascular access: The medical team makes an incision or puncture in a peripheral artery, such as the femoral artery or the subclavian artery, to insert a catheter. This catheter will serve as an access route to deliver the new valve to the aorta;
• Positioning of the new valve: The catheter, containing the new folded or collapsed valve, is guided through the blood vessels to the aorta and to the site of the failing aortic valve. Once positioned, deployment of the new valve can begin;
• Valve deployment: Different techniques are used to deploy the new valve. For example, a common method is to use a balloon to dilate the artificial valve and secure it in place. Another method involves the use of a self-expanding valve that deploys itself once released;
• Verification and adjustments: Once the valve is deployed, the medical team performs careful checks to ensure that the new valve is working properly and is correctly positioned. Adjustments can be made if necessary;
• Catheter removal: Once the new valve is in place, the catheters are carefully removed from the access artery. Appropriate closure techniques are used to minimize bleeding risks and ensure adequate healing;

The TAVI procedure, which typically lasts between one and two hours, is followed by a monitoring period in the recovery room. After that, the patient is transferred to a specialized care unit for post-operative recovery.

In conclusion, TAVI is a valuable option for patients with severe aortic stenosis and who are at high risk for open-heart surgery. The procedure offers significant advantages in terms of faster recovery, reduced post-operative pain, and the possibility of intervention under sedation. However, it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks with the medical team and make an informed decision based on each individual case.

What are the advantages and risks of the TAVI procedure?

The TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) procedure offers several significant advantages over traditional open-heart surgery, but also carries some risks. Let’s examine them more closely.

• Advantages:
  • No chest opening: One of the main advantages of TAVI is that it avoids the need to open the patient’s chest, significantly reducing surgical trauma. This results in faster recovery and less post-operative pain;
  • No full general anesthesia: In many cases, TAVI can be performed under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, avoiding full general anesthesia. This reduces risks associated with general anesthesia and promotes faster recovery;
  • Shorter procedure: The TAVI procedure is generally shorter than open-heart surgery, reducing the duration of the intervention and the time spent in the operating room. This can lead to less stress on the patient’s body and faster recovery;
  • Rapid intervention: TAVI can be performed quickly, allowing patients to quickly regain normal heart function. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have severe symptoms of aortic stenosis and require rapid intervention to improve their quality of life;
  • Pacemaker: During the TAVI procedure, it is possible to implant or replace a pacemaker, if necessary. This can be an option for patients who also need cardiac stimulation to regulate their heart rate;
• Risks:
  • Procedure-related risks: Although TAVI is less invasive than open-heart surgery, it still carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to the materials used, and vascular complications related to vascular access;
  • Risks of valve leakage or malpositioning: There is a risk of leakage around the new valve or malpositioning, which can lead to valve malfunction and may require a repeat procedure;
  • Anesthesia-related risks: Although local anesthesia or conscious sedation is generally used, there may be risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or respiratory complications;
  • Risks specific to the patient’s health status: Risks can vary depending on the patient’s health status, including underlying heart problems, history of vascular disease, or other specific medical conditions;

• No chest opening: One of the main advantages of TAVI is that it avoids the need to open the patient’s chest, significantly reducing surgical trauma. This results in faster recovery and less post-operative pain;
• No full general anesthesia: In many cases, TAVI can be performed under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, avoiding full general anesthesia. This reduces risks associated with general anesthesia and promotes faster recovery;
• Shorter procedure: The TAVI procedure is generally shorter than open-heart surgery, reducing the duration of the intervention and the time spent in the operating room. This can lead to less stress on the patient’s body and faster recovery;
• Rapid intervention: TAVI can be performed quickly, allowing patients to quickly regain normal heart function. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have severe symptoms of aortic stenosis and require rapid intervention to improve their quality of life;
• Pacemaker: During the TAVI procedure, it is possible to implant or replace a pacemaker, if necessary. This can be an option for patients who also need cardiac stimulation to regulate their heart rate;

• Procedure-related risks: Although TAVI is less invasive than open-heart surgery, it still carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to the materials used, and vascular complications related to vascular access;
• Risks of valve leakage or malpositioning: There is a risk of leakage around the new valve or malpositioning, which can lead to valve malfunction and may require a repeat procedure;
• Anesthesia-related risks: Although local anesthesia or conscious sedation is generally used, there may be risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or respiratory complications;
• Risks specific to the patient’s health status: Risks can vary depending on the patient’s health status, including underlying heart problems, history of vascular disease, or other specific medical conditions;

It is essential that patients discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with TAVI with their medical team to make an informed decision

What is the post-operative follow-up for the TAVI procedure?

The post-operative follow-up for the TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) procedure can vary from patient to patient depending on several factors. Here is an overview of the key elements to consider.

• Post-operative recovery: After the TAVI operation, the patient is usually transferred to a recovery room where they are closely monitored by a medical team. Vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation, are monitored to ensure the patient’s stability;
• Hospital stay: The length of hospital stay after a TAVI can vary, but generally, patients remain under observation for a few days. During this time, the medical team carefully monitors the patient’s recovery, the function of the new valve, and pain management;
• Medical follow-up: After discharge from the hospital, regular follow-up appointments are scheduled with the cardiologist or medical team. These visits allow for checking valve function, assessing recovery progress, and monitoring for any signs of complications;
• Medical treatment: In addition to the TAVI procedure itself, medical treatment may be prescribed to optimize the patient’s cardiac health. This may include medications to control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or manage other underlying heart problems;
• Infection prevention: After the procedure, it is essential to take measures to prevent infection. This may include good personal hygiene, taking prophylactic antibiotics if necessary, and following specific instructions provided by the medical team;
• Potential complications: Although TAVI is considered a less invasive procedure, there is still a risk of complications. This may include bleeding, infection, vascular problems related to femoral artery access, heart rhythm disorders requiring specific treatment, or even the need to implant a pacemaker;
• Recovery and life expectancy: Recovery after TAVI can vary, but many patients see a significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life in the weeks following the procedure. In general, TAVI is associated with improved life expectancy in patients with severe untreated aortic stenosis;

It should be noted that each case is unique and post-operative care may vary. It is therefore crucial to follow the specific recommendations of the medical team and to communicate any symptoms or concerns in order to ensure optimal recovery and adequate follow-up.

Who is TAVI for? What type of patients?

TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is intended for a specific group of patients with severe aortic stenosis, which is an abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve.

Here are the types of patients who may benefit from TAVI:

• Patients at high surgical risk: TAVI is generally recommended for patients who are considered to be at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery. This may include elderly patients, those with underlying health problems such as advanced heart disease, respiratory or renal failure, or a history of multiple heart surgeries;
• Fragile or high-risk patients: Fragile patients, who may have decreased overall cardiac function or other significant comorbidities, may benefit from TAVI. This less invasive procedure may offer a safer alternative for these patients who would not tolerate more invasive open-heart surgery;
• Patients with a high risk of vascular complications: Some patients may have vascular problems, such as fragile or narrow blood vessels, that make open-heart surgery riskier. TAVI uses percutaneous access routes, such as the femoral artery, thus avoiding complications related to opening the chest;
• Symptomatic patients: TAVI is recommended for patients who have significant symptoms of aortic stenosis, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest pain, which affect their quality of life and ability to perform normal daily activities;
• Patients with significant life expectancy: TAVI is generally recommended for patients who have a significant life expectancy despite their severe aortic stenosis. The benefits of TAVI may be greater for patients who have a long potential lifespan and who can therefore benefit from a lasting improvement in their quality of life;

It is essential to emphasize that each case is evaluated individually by a specialized medical team to determine eligibility for TAVI. Decisions are based on a complete assessment of the patient’s health, medical history, and associated risks. Patients interested in TAVI should consult their cardiologist or a heart valve specialist to determine if this procedure is suitable for their specific case.

Your TAVI in Tunisia with TDS

If you are considering having your TAVI operation and enjoying a surgical stay in Tunisia, you can trust Tunisia Destination Santé. You will find state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and renowned specialists in our country. The prices we offer are very attractive and much lower than those practiced in Europe. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on procedures and to benefit from our assistance.

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