About-Cardio
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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.
Understanding Transcatheter Procedures in Cardiology
Introduction
Transcatheter procedures are minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions performed using a catheter—a thin, flexible tube—inserted into blood vessels to reach the heart or other affected areas. These are often used as an alternative to open-heart surgery.
Common Transcatheter Procedures
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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI)
- Used to treat severe aortic stenosis by replacing a narrowed aortic valve.
- Beneficial for patients at high risk for conventional surgery.
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Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip)
- Used to treat mitral regurgitation by clipping the leaflets of the mitral valve to improve closure.
- Suitable for patients with degenerative or functional mitral regurgitation.
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
- Also known as coronary angioplasty; involves placing a stent in a blocked coronary artery.
- Used for treating coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarctions.
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Transcatheter Closure of Septal Defects
- Used to close congenital heart defects like atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Advantages of Transcatheter Techniques
- Minimally Invasive : Requires only a small incision, reducing surgical trauma.
- Faster Recovery : Shorter hospital stays compared to open-heart surgery.
- Lower Risk for High-Risk Patients : Beneficial for elderly or frail patients who may not tolerate surgery well.
Possible Risks
- Bleeding or vascular complications at the catheter insertion site.
- Stroke or embolism due to small debris dislodged during the procedure.
- Arrhythmias or conduction disturbances requiring a pacemaker in some cases.
Conclusion
Transcatheter procedures continue to revolutionize cardiology by offering safer, less invasive treatment options for various heart conditions. If you or a loved one is considering such a procedure, consulting an experienced cardiologist and reviewing current clinical guidelines is essential for optimal outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- 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/
- 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/33342586/
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://eurointervention.pcronline.com/article/2021-esc-eacts-guidelines-for-the-management-of-valvular-heart-disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
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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!
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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.