Understanding Aortic Stenosis and TAVI
Why Choose a TAVI Expert?
Selecting a TAVI expert is essential for several reasons:
Experience and Training
TAVI is not a simple procedure but it has to be performed by knowledgeable professionals and experienced operators. TAVI is a new technique that has been tried by many experienced cardiologists. By the time he has done many such procedures, any risk incurred during the procedure is easily handled. They are highly knowledgeable about current treatments and procedures in the field, so patients are assured of the best care.
Access to Advanced Technology
TAVI experts are typically related to the major hospitals that seek to purchase innovative technologies. This enables them to offer patients contemporary treatment using the tools and techniques that are at their disposal for valve surgery.
Comprehensive Care Approach
A professional TAVI practitioner is concerned not only with the TAVI intervention but also with the patient's health status. There is considerable emphasis on pre-operative evaluation, post-operative management, and detailed communication before operation. Such an approach encompasses a patient-centered view in which all (aspects) of an individual’s health are considered to improve overall health.
Patient-Centric Philosophy
The best specialists in TAVI are keen on patient education and participation in the process. They care about explaining the process to the patient, assuaging his or her fears, and often involve the patient in the decision-making process. Such kind of care leads to patient satisfaction and makes patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment process.
The TAVI Procedure: What to Expect
Pre-Operative Assessment
An assessment of the patient will be conducted before the TAVI process is conducted on him or her. This typically includes:
- Medical History Review: The cardiologist will explore the patient’s hepatic history, other chronic illnesses, and treatments.
- Diagnostic Tests: Echocardiography, computed tomography, and blood examination procedures are done to assess the heart's function and the procedure's modality.
- Risk Assessment: The healthcare team will discuss the possible complications of the procedure, depending on the patient's general condition or the presence of other diseases. During the actual TAVI procedure, patients shall be admitted to the hospital and ready for the procedure.
The Procedure
Here’s how the procedure generally unfolds:
- Anesthesia: Patients are often advised to take sedation or general anesthesia to help them when undergoing the procedure.
- Catheter Insertion: This process involves making a small hole in the upper thigh area at the femoral artery. A catheter is then passed to the right side of the heart through one of the major veins in the subject’s body.
- Valve Deployment: The new valve is accurately anchored and placed within the old one, which has been previously retrieved. When established, it grows and starts operating immediately.
- Monitoring: Patients are then kept in a recovery room, where they are observed continually before they can be discharged.
Post-Operative Care
Certain guidelines should be followed after the surgery to ensure its success. Patients can expect:
- Hospital Stay: Patients are taken back to their homes after the procedure, but most spend one to two days at the hospital for observation.
- Follow-Up Appointments: It is important for patients to have follow-up appointments with the cardiologist to assess his or her heart’s condition and the rate of healing.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Some patients may be further advised on diets, exercise, and medication to care for their heart.
Benefits of TAVI
TAVI caters to many advantages over traditional open-heart surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: This is because the surgical incision is pretty small, resulting in little pain and the ability to recover much faster.
- Reduced Hospital Stay: The majority of the patients are discharged within a day or two after the procedure has been done.
- Lower Risk of Complications: TAVI is generally safer where young patients or those with other medical conditions are in concern because the risk of serious complications is lower.
