TAVI procedure in Mumbai

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, or simply TAVI, is a minimally invasive heart surgery specifically designed to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve of the human heart narrows down due to various reasons. This surgery is perfect for individuals who can not survive normal aortic valve replacement surgery. Considering the complexity of the condition and the TAVI surgery, it is essential to opt for a healthcare institution with expert care and support.

At Gleneagles, also known as the best TAVI Hospital in Mumbai, we are dedicated to providing our patients with this expert care to make their lives easy and enhance their quality of life. It can be a one-stop solution not only for people seeking medical help but also for those who are looking for correct information on TAVI surgery in Mumbai.

TAVI or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a type of procedure used for the replacement of a faulty or impaired aortic valve without the requirement of performing open heart surgery. Aortic Valves are like a window between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, which regulates the flow of blood from the Heart to the whole body. It is one of the most sought-after surgeries for patients suffering from aortic stenosis due to its painless and easy method.

TAVI Procedure in Mumbai doesn't need large incisions and heart-stopping. Instead, it involves inserting a narrow and flexible tube, also known as the catheter, through a small incision in the groin or in the chest to deliver a new valve to the heart. Once inserted into the heart, this catheter expands, makes up the new valve and takes over the function of the damaged or impaired valve.

TAVI surgery has a number of benefits over conventional aortic valve replacement techniques, particularly for older patients or those with other medical conditions. Here are some reasons why one must choose TAVI in Mumbai over other conventional methods:

• Minimally invasive: As TAVR only involves tiny incisions, there is barely any chance of getting infected or other problems after the surgery, hence leading to a faster recovery period.
• Shorter hospital stay: Being a minimally invasive option, after TAVR, patients can go home in a matter of days in comparison to the weeks needed for standard surgery.
• Reduced risk for high-risk patients: Standard surgery is effective but comes with a higher risk. In contrast, TAVI offers a less dangerous option than open heart surgery for people with complicated medical issues.
• Better quality of life: A successful TAVI surgery offers strengthening of the heart, and also the operation enables patients to restore their strength and lead active, independent lives.

The TAVI for Heart Valve Replacement is done majorly with two approaches. The selection from these two is done based on the individual’s medical records and diagnostic tests. These approaches include:

• Transfemoral Approach: Transfemoral TAVI in Mumbai is the most common approach for aortic valve replacement surgery. In this, the catheter is implanted via the femoral artery in the groin. This approach is preferred if or when the femoral arteries are not shallow due to calcification and are wide enough to allow the minimally invasive procedure and catheter to go through them.
• Transapical Approach: This is the approach only preferred when the femoral arteries are not suitable for the procedures. In this case, a small incision is made in the chest, directly over the heart, which allows a catheter to be inserted via the left ventricle to the aortic valve.

Before undergoing a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement surgery, healthcare providers suggest every patient undergo several tests for better evaluation and analysis of the suitability of the procedure. This includes:

• Cardiac Imaging: Imaging tests with Echocardiograms, CT scans, or angiograms are performed to evaluate the aortic valve and heart function.
• Blood tests: Blood tests assist in establishing the patient's general health and suitability for surgery.
• Review of Medical History: Physicians will go through the patient's medical history, such as any pre-existing health conditions or medications that may affect the procedure. Hence, It is essential for all patients to inform their doctors about any medical condition, allergies, current medications or previous surgeries before opting for TAVR surgery.

TAVI is a procedure done with careful screening and after diagnosing the patient's conditions. The step-by-step procedures followed by some top healthcare providers for heart valve replacement in Mumbai are:

Accessing the Arteries: The surgery starts with accessing the blood vessels to identify which arteries need to be used. For this, doctors use a retrograde approach, meaning from the legs to other arteries. The most commonly accessed artery for the procedure is the femoral artery in the groin, and it is accessed with the help of a needle and a specialised tube. 

• Blood Thinning: An important step during the procedure is blood thinning, which is done with the help of some medicines for the prevention of blood clot formation.
• Reaching the Aortic Valve: To reach the aortic valve, a guide wire is inserted through the selected artery. For this, a special tool known as the diagnostic catheter is used to check on the condition of the damaged aortic valve.
• Balloon Valve Procedure (BAV): After reaching the aorta, a balloon valve is inserted into the valve. This balloon inflates in the location to open up the narrowed aortic valve to make way for the new valve to fit properly. In addition to this, a heart pacer is also used sometimes to increase the heart rate to help the balloon stay in place.
• Preparing the New Valve: Before starting the BAV procedure, a TAVR prosthesis or a new valve is prepared to be placed inside the aortic valve. The balloon used for the valve is always smaller than the prosthesis, reducing any chance of leaking around the valve.
• Placing the New Valve: After widening the aortic valve, the TAVR prosthesis is inserted carefully after removing the balloon. If, for the procedure, a balloon-expandable valve is used, it is placed while the heart rate is slowed down temporarily. The doctors make sure to check if the valve is properly working or not.
• Finishing Up: Once the procedure is done, the wires and catheters are taken out by the doctor. Either stitches or a specialised tool are used to seal the tiny hole in the artery. The patient is constantly watched for any issues.

The recovery of most patients after TAVR surgery is fast compared to conventional valve replacement surgery. The patients normally spend 2 to 3 days in the hospital for observation. During the observation period, physicians will look for any possible complications like bleeding or infection. After surgery, patients will have to take medications, such as blood thinners, to prevent clotting. Physical activity can be restricted for a few weeks, but most patients can resume their activities within a few months.

Although it is mostly a safe surgery, it can carry some risks like any other medical procedure. Some of the most probable complications regarding the effects of this surgery are:

• Infection: With any operation, there is a risk of acquiring some infection, like endocarditis, in which the inner lining of four chambers of the heart is infected.
• Bleeding: Minor or considerable bleeding at the wound area could be present.
• Valve complications: Occasionally, if the new valve is not functioning properly, an additional intervention is needed.
• Stroke: While uncommon, there is a risk of stroke as a complication during the procedure.

Considering the seriousness and complexity of the heart condition it is necessary to choose a top hospital like Gleneagles Hospital. A top hospital for valve replacement surgery, determined to give its patients world-class care undergoing TAVI Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ( TAVI ) in Mumbai. Here are the reasons why Gleneagles Hospitals stands out as a perfect choice for this condition:

• Expert Cardiologists: Gleneagles Hospitals has highly experienced and skilled cardiologists who are experts in TAVI in Mumbai and other heart valve surgeries.
• Advanced technology: The TAVI Hospital in Mumbai boasts advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art catheterisation suites, allowing for accurate and efficient TAVI procedures.
• High Success Rates: With its reputation for excellent patient outcomes, the Hospital has high success rates for a TAVI procedure in Mumbai to provide a superior quality of life for patients after the procedure.
• Patient-Centric Approach: Our hospital focuses a great deal on the comfort and satisfaction of the patient. The staff collaborates closely with every patient to make the procedure and recuperation plan as customised as possible according to their own requirements.