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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Introduction
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve in patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. It is an alternative to open-heart surgery, particularly for patients who are at high or intermediate surgical risk.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as: - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Fatigue - Dizziness or fainting - Heart failure in severe cases
How Does TAVR Work?
During a TAVR procedure: 1. A catheter is inserted, usually via the femoral artery (groin) or another access point. 2. A replacement valve, typically made from biological tissue, is guided to the heart. 3. Once positioned correctly, the new valve is expanded, pushing the old valve aside. 4. The new valve takes over the function of regulating blood flow.
Benefits of TAVR
- Minimally invasive (avoids open-heart surgery)
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced complications in high-risk patients
- Improved quality of life and symptom relief
Potential Risks
- Stroke
- Vascular complications
- Pacemaker necessity due to conduction disturbances
- Valve leakage (paravalvular regurgitation)
Who is a Candidate?
TAVR is recommended for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, especially those who: - Are at high or intermediate risk for open-heart surgery - Have other health conditions that make traditional surgery risky
Follow-Up Care
After TAVR, patients require routine follow-ups, including: - Echocardiograms to assess valve function - Blood pressure and heart rhythm monitoring - Lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and medication adherence
Conclusion
TAVR is a revolutionary procedure that offers hope to patients with severe aortic stenosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, consult a cardiologist to determine the best treatment approach.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2024/03/13/18/13/2024-acc-aha-clinical-performance-valvular
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809971/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.