How is PCI different from bypass surgery?

Bypass surgery is open-heart surgery. PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that is done by an interventional cardiologist with the help of a catheter into your groin or arm

Why is my stent medicated?

In stents made up of only metal (Bare Metal stents), it was observed that the incidence of blood clot formation was higher. That is why a stent with a coating of the drug also called Drug-eluting stent or medicated stents are preferred. They release the drug at aslow rate to prevent blood clots from forming in a stent and thus prevent future blockage (restenosis) of the stent.

Heart Harmony: Transforming Lives Through TAVI

Introducing TAVI: Revolutionizing Heart Treatment with a Minimally Invasive Approach

20 December 2023

In cardiac care, a groundbreaking advancement has emerged that promises a transformative impact on how heart conditions are treated. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) represents a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a narrowed aortic valve with a prosthetic one. Unlike the traditional approach of open-heart surgery, TAVI utilizes catheters inserted through small incisions, negating the need for a large chest incision and the use of bypass machines.

The Distinct Advantages of TAVI

Expert Insights and Prudent Precautions

Renowned experts in the field of cardiology unanimously acclaim the TAVI procedure for its transformative potential. Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and interventional radiologists collaborate intricately to evaluate a patient’s eligibility for TAVI. This comprehensive assessment considers factors such as the patient’s overall health status, aortic stenosis severity, and the aortic valve’s anatomical intricacies. This collaborative approach ensures a personalized decision-making process tailored to each patient’s medical profile.

Navigating the TAVI Procedure

The TAVI procedure typically unfolds under the umbrella of local or general anesthesia. The core of this technique involves accessing the heart via a blood vessel, often the femoral artery, and skillfully maneuvering a catheter equipped with the new valve to the targeted site of the constricted aortic valve. The new valve is gently expanded, effectively displacing the older valve leaflets and restoring the normal flow of blood.

Diving Deeper: Factors and Potential Implications

Possible Risks and Complications
While TAVI is generally deemed secure, it is not entirely devoid of associated risks. Potential complications encompass valve leakage, blood vessel impairment, strokes, and disturbances in heart rhythm. It is, however, imperative to note that these risks remain notably lower when juxtaposed with the risks associated with open-heart surgery. It’s especially pertinent for patients with a heightened risk or unsuited for the standard surgical approach.
Selective Patient Criteria and Tailored Approaches
The decision to proceed with TAVI warrants an informed evaluation and an approach fine-tuned to individual needs. Variables such as age, overall health condition, anatomical considerations, and coexisting cardiac ailments collectively influence the selection of TAVI as the preferred therapeutic route. Collaborating closely with a cardiovascular specialist is pivotal in charting the most optimal trajectory.

Ongoing Vigilance and Holistic Monitoring

The Dawn of a New Era in Cardiac Care

With the advent of TAVI, patients are bestowed with an innovative therapeutic avenue that distinctly eclipses conventional open-heart surgery. TAVI heralds a minimally invasive approach, a swifter path to recovery, and an enriched quality of life for those eligible for the procedure. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding of the procedure multifaceted considerations and nuanced aspects is paramount, empowering patients to make informed & prudent decisions regarding their cardiac health.

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23046-aortic-valve-stenosis
2. https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-IN/medical-specialties/structural-heart/tavi-portfolio.html
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698
4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/tavr

Disclaimer: The information presented by Boston Scientific India is for educational purposes only and does not recommend self-management of health issues. The information should not be treated as comprehensive and does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment or any medical advice. Individual results may vary and hence, it is advisable to consult your doctor regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

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