TAVI: Non-Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Technological Advances and New Methods in Cardiovascular Surgery

Technological developments and new methods in the field of cardiovascular surgery are improving patients' quality of life and facilitating treatment processes. TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), also known as non-surgical aortic valve replacement, is one of these innovations. This method, which is a great source of hope especially for elderly patients and those with high surgical risk, allows aortic valve replacement through a minimally invasive procedure. In this article prepared for you, we will provide information about what the TAVI method is, which patients it is applied to, and its longevity.

What is TAVI?

TAVI is an abbreviation for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. This method is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to replace the heart valve in patients suffering from aortic stenosis or insufficiency. TAVI is generally performed through the groin using a catheter, 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 stays.

TAVI: Non-Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement – Who Is It Performed On?

TAVI is a preferred method especially for elderly patients and those with high surgical risk. The following conditions determine which patients can undergo TAVI:

• Patients who carry very high surgical risk or for whom surgery is contraindicated,

• Patients with aortic stenosis or insufficiency,

• Patients who have previously undergone cardiac surgery and carry risk of repeat surgery,

• Patients with organ failure,

However, since each patient's condition is different, the suitability of TAVI and its success rate may vary from patient to patient. Therefore, patients must undergo detailed evaluation before the procedure.

What is the Lifespan of TAVI?

The lifespan of artificial heart valves implanted using the TAVI method generally ranges between 10 to 15 years. However, personal factors, valve material, and the patient's lifestyle may affect valve longevity. Therefore, it is important that patients undergo regular follow-ups and comply with their doctor's recommendations. Additionally, follow-up and maintenance of valves implanted using the TAVI method is similar to those implanted with surgical methods. In this way, patients' quality of life and health can be preserved for a longer period.

TAVI: Non-Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement – How Is It Applied?

The TAVI procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia and allows replacement of the heart valve without damaging the heart. At the beginning of the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is placed in the artery in the groin region. Subsequently, this catheter is advanced through the blood vessels until it reaches the heart valve.

The specially designed artificial heart valve located 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 regular blood flow from the heart to the body. After the artificial heart valve is implanted, the catheter is withdrawn and the procedure is completed.

After the TAVI procedure, the majority of patients experience rapid recovery and are discharged from the hospital within a short period. Through this procedure, the quality of life of patients with high surgical risk significantly improves and the negative effects of heart problems are reduced.

How Does TAVI Work?

Although TAVI is known as a non-surgical aortic valve replacement, it is actually a minimally invasive procedure. The aim during the procedure is to replace the heart valve without damaging it and without surgery. The working principle of TAVI is essentially based on replacing the heart valve with a new one with the help of a catheter.

During the procedure, the catheter placed in the artery in the groin region is advanced through the blood vessels until it reaches the heart valve. During this process, imaging methods such as X-ray and ultrasound are used to ensure the catheter advances correctly.

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

The TAVI procedure is a treatment method aimed at improving the patient's quality of life. Through this procedure, the negative effects of heart problems in patients with high surgical risk are reduced and their life expectancy is extended. TAVI is a heart valve replacement method that is currently successfully applied worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular.

What Are the Benefits of TAVI?

TAVI aims to improve patients' cardiac function and enhance their quality of life. The benefits of TAVI can be listed as follows:

• TAVI is a less invasive method compared to open heart surgery. Thus, patients' recovery process is faster and less painful.

• After TAVI application, patients' hospital stays are shorter. This allows patients to return to their normal lives more quickly.

• During TAVI procedure, local anesthesia is generally used, which results in patients being less affected by anesthesia complications.

• TAVI offers a more suitable treatment option, especially for elderly patients and those carrying high risk for open heart surgery.

• After the TAVI procedure, significant improvement is observed in patients' cardiac function. This helps patients increase their physical activity levels and improve their quality of life.

• After the TAVI procedure, positive effects are observed on patients' life expectancy and quality of life. This treatment method allows patients to maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle 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:

• During the TAVI procedure, complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, heart failure, and cardiac perforation may occur.

• There is a risk of bleeding during and after the TAVI procedure. This may occur especially due to damage to blood vessels caused by the catheter and devices used during the procedure.

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

• After the TAVI procedure, some patients may experience impaired kidney function. This presents 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 sterilization of the devices and catheters used during the procedure.

• After the TAVI procedure, complications such as improper functioning or leakage of the implanted artificial aortic valve may occur. This may require additional treatment and follow-up for patients.

Considering the benefits and risks of TAVI, this treatment method is an important option for patients with aortic stenosis. However, determining the most appropriate treatment method for each patient requires a detailed evaluation process to be conducted between doctors and patients.

TAVI Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has managed to gain international recognition through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. In particular, cutting-edge technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has provided hope for many diseases. Furthermore, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and healthcare workers being friendly and compassionate,

• Providing quick and accurate answers to questions asked,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company dealing with patients, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering opportunities for vacation with its natural and historical beauties,

• Easy transportation,

• Meeting needs such as diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation at reasonable prices,

are listed among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are conducting research about TAVI treatment costs in Turkey. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide specific price information. Many factors such as the type of disease, its stage, diagnostic process, treatment process, and length of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediary services, we can facilitate your visa application process through the invitation letter we send to the consulate.