TAVI Non-Surgical Heart Valve Replacement

Technological developments and new methods in the field of cardiovascular surgery increase the quality of life of patients and facilitate treatment processes. TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), also known as non-surgical heart valve replacement, is one of these innovations. This method, which is a great source of hope especially for the elderly and patients with a high risk of surgery, allows heart valve replacement with a minimally invasive procedure. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give you information about what the TAVI method is, who it is applied to and its lifespan.

What Is TAVI?

TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. This method is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure used to replace the heart valve of patients with aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation. TAVI is performed with the aid of a catheter, usually through the groin, and the artificial valve placed over the patient’s natural aortic valve begins to regulate blood flow. This procedure allows patients to recover with less trauma and shorter hospital stay.

TAVI: Who Can Have Non-Surgical Heart Valve Replacement?

TAVI is a preferred method especially for elderly patients and patients with a high risk of surgery. The following situations identify patients for whom TAVI can be administered;

• Patients at very high risk for surgery or for whom surgery is contraindicated,
• Patients with aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency,
• Patients who have had previous heart surgery and are at risk of reoperation,
• Patients with organ failure,

However, since each patient’s situation is different, the suitability and success rate of TAVI may vary from patient to patient. Therefore, patients should undergo a detailed evaluation before the procedure.

What is the Lifespan of TAVI?

The lifespan of artificial heart valves placed with the TAVI method generally varies between 10 and 15 years. However, factors such as personal factors, valve material, and the patient’s lifestyle can affect valve life. Therefore, it is important for patients to have regular check-ups and to follow the doctor’s recommendations. In addition, the follow-up and maintenance of valves placed with the TAVI method is similar to the valves placed with the surgical method. In this way, the quality of life and health of patients can be maintained for a longer period of time.

TAVI: How is Non-Surgical Heart Valve Replacement Performed?

The TAVI procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and allows the heart valve to be replaced without damaging the patient’s heart. At the beginning of the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery in the groin area. This catheter is then advanced through the veins until it reaches the heart valve.

A specially designed artificial heart valve at the tip of the catheter is placed over the natural heart valve. This artificial valve functions the same as the natural heart valve and ensures a regular flow of blood from the heart to the body. After the artificial heart valve is placed, the catheter is withdrawn and the procedure is complete.

After the TAVI procedure, most of the patients experience a rapid recovery period and are discharged from the hospital in a short time. Thanks to this procedure, the quality of life of patients at high risk of surgery is significantly improved and the negative effects of heart diseases are reduced.

How Does TAVI Work?

Although TAVI is known as non-surgical heart valve replacement, it is actually a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, it is aimed to replace the heart valve without damaging the heart valve and without surgery. The working principle of TAVI is based on the replacement of the heart valve with a new valve with the aid of a catheter.

During the procedure, the catheter placed in the artery in the patient’s inguinal region is advanced through the veins until it reaches the heart valve. During this process, the correct advancement of the catheter is ensured by using imaging methods such as x-ray and ultrasound.

The artificial heart valve at the tip of the catheter is placed over the natural heart valve and opened there. The artificial valve takes over the function of the natural heart valve and ensures a regular flow of blood from the heart to the body. After the artificial heart valve is placed, the catheter is withdrawn and the procedure is complete.

TAVI is a treatment method that aims to improve the patient’s quality of life. Thanks to this procedure, the negative effects of heart diseases of patients at high risk of surgery are reduced and their life expectancy is extended. TAVI is a method of heart valve replacement that is successfully applied worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular.

What Are The Benefits of TAVI?

TAVI aims to improve the heart function of patients and increase their quality of life. The benefits of TAVI can be listed as follows;

• TAVI is a less invasive method compared to open heart surgery. In this way, the recovery process of the patients is faster and less painful.

• After TAVI application, the hospital stay of the patients is shorter. This allows patients to return to their normal lives more quickly.

• Local anesthesia is generally used during the TAVI procedure, which causes patients to be less affected by anesthesia complications.

• TAVI offers a more appropriate treatment option, especially for the elderly and high-risk patients for open heart surgery.

• After the TAVI procedure, a significant improvement is observed in the cardiac functions of the patients. This helps patients improve their quality of life by increasing their physical activity level.

• After the TAVI procedure, positive effects are observed on the life expectancy and quality of life of the patients. This treatment method allows patients to lead a healthier and more active life in the long term.

What Are the Risks of TAVI?

Although TAVI offers significant benefits in the treatment of aortic stenosis, there are some risks and complications associated with this procedure. The risks of TAVI can be explained as follows;

• Complications such as heart rhythm disturbances, heart attack, heart failure and heart perforation may occur during the TAVI procedure.

• There is a risk of bleeding during and after the TAVI procedure. This may occur especially because the catheters and devices used during the procedure damage the veins.

• There is a risk of stroke due to reduced blood flow to the brain or the formation of clots during the TAVI procedure.

• Renal dysfunction may be observed in some patients after the TAVI procedure. This poses a greater risk, especially for patients with kidney disease.

• There is a risk of infection during and after the TAVI procedure. This is generally related to the sterilization of devices and catheters used during the procedure.

• Complications such as malfunctioning or leaking of the artificial aortic valve placed after the TAVI procedure may occur. This may require additional treatment and follow-up of patients.

Given the benefits and risks of TAVI, this treatment modality is an important option for patients with aortic stenosis. However, determining the most appropriate treatment for each patient requires a detailed evaluation process between physicians and patients.

TAVI Method Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on TAVI Method Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.