Aortic Valve Intervention
What is Aortic Valve Intervention?
Aortic valve intervention, also known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a damaged aortic valve in patients with severe aortic stenosis. This treatment is indicated for individuals who are not ideal candidates for open-heart surgery due to advanced age or specific medical conditions.
What is this procedure for?
Aortic valve intervention is primarily used for:
- Treatment of aortic stenosis: Replacing the narrowed aortic valve that impedes adequate blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
- Symptom relief: Reducing discomfort associated with aortic stenosis, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and syncope.
- Prevention of complications: Aortic valve replacement has been shown to increase survival by reducing sudden cardiac death associated with aortic stenosis and decreasing hospital admissions for heart failure.
- Improved quality of life: Helps restore normal heart function to allow the patient to perform daily activities without limitations.
Benefits of High Technology in Aortic Valve Intervention
The procedure uses a catheter inserted through an artery (usually in the groin), under local anesthesia and sedation. The new aortic valve, mounted on a stent, is guided to the heart using real-time imaging. Once positioned, the valve is deployed to replace the damaged valve.
What does the procedure involve?
The aortic valve intervention procedure involves:
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Preparation:
For preparation, during the initial consultation, the cardiologist will perform a complete evaluation of your medical history and symptoms. You will undergo tests such as echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scan, and catheterization to plan the intervention. It is advisable to fast for several hours before the procedure. Additionally, be sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants.
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During the procedure:
During the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia and sedation, and in exceptional cases, general anesthesia. The catheter will be inserted through a blood vessel in the leg (femoral access), using real-time imaging to guide the new valve to the site of the damaged aortic valve. Then, the valve will be expanded and replace the original one. Throughout the procedure, your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored to ensure your safety. The procedure usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
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After the procedure:
After the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery room where you will be monitored for several hours. You may experience mild discomfort at the catheter insertion site or a feeling of tiredness. You will be advised to avoid intense physical activities for the first few days after the procedure. The cardiologist will evaluate the results and explain the findings and necessary follow-up.
Recommendations for the procedure
It is important to inform the medical team if you have any allergies to medications or materials that will be used during the procedure. Also, be sure to follow all medical instructions before, during, and after the procedure to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Are there any risks?
Aortic valve intervention is a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it can have minimal risks:
- Bleeding or bruising: At the catheter insertion site.
- Infection: although rare, it can occur in the insertion area.
- Vascular injury: There is a low risk of damage to blood vessels.
- Clot formation: There may be a risk of blood clots that could cause a stroke.
- Anesthesia-related risks: Dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions.
- Atrioventricular blocks: In 5% of patients, a block occurs after prosthesis implantation (which relies on the heart’s conduction system), requiring the implantation of a permanent pacemaker the day after the intervention.
For your procedure to go smoothly, we ask that you arrive in advance of your scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the procedure, we will provide you with the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental ones), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.
