How long does TAVI last?

The durability of a **Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)** procedure has significantly improved over the years, and current data suggests that TAVI valves can last around **10 to 15 years** in many patients. However, the longevity of the TAVI valve can vary depending on several factors, including patient characteristics, valve type, and follow-up care.

Factors Influencing TAVI Longevity

1. Patient Age and Health Condition:

- Older patients: TAVI was originally used for older, high-risk patients, and in many cases, the valve may last for the remainder of the patient's life.

- Younger patients: For younger or lower-risk patients who are now increasingly receiving TAVI, valve durability is a more important consideration since they may live long enough to require a second procedure (either another TAVI or surgery).

2. Valve Type and Technology:

- First-generation valves: Older valve models may not last as long as newer designs due to less advanced materials and technology.

- Next-generation valves: Advances in valve technology, such as improved leaflet materials and enhanced designs, have increased the durability of newer TAVI valves.

3. Structural Valve Deterioration (SVD):

- Over time, calcification and wear of the valve leaflets can occur, leading to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). This structural valve deterioration typically begins after 8-10 years but can vary between patients.

4. Follow-Up Care and Lifestyle:

- Proper post-procedure care, such as regular follow-up appointments, medication adherence, and heart-healthy lifestyle changes, can extend the functional life of the valve.

Current Evidence on TAVI Durability

- Recent studies and clinical trials have shown promising durability results for TAVI valves, with many patients maintaining good valve function for at least 8 to 10 years.

- Long-term studies, such as the PARTNER and CoreValve trials, are tracking TAVI valve performance over time, with some showing minimal deterioration even after a decade.

What Happens When the TAVI Valve Wears Out?

If a TAVI valve begins to fail due to deterioration, patients may require a repeat TAVI (Valve-in-Valve) procedure or, in some cases, a surgical valve replacement. However, newer data suggests that many TAVI valves function well for over a decade, particularly in older patients.

Conclusion

A TAVI valve is expected to last between 10 to 15 years, with many patients experiencing excellent valve function during this time. Ongoing advancements in valve technology and improvements in patient care may extend the lifespan of TAVI valves further in the future. Regular follow-up and monitoring by your healthcare team are essential to ensure optimal valve function and detect any early signs of valve deterioration.

Transforming Heart Health: The Revolutionary Impact of TAVI, TAVR, and MitraClip

The Future of Heart Valve Treatments is Here

TAVI case planning by Dr. Srinivas Prasad and team

In the realm of cardiology, innovative procedures like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), and MitraClip are revolutionizing the treatment of severe heart conditions. These minimally invasive techniques offer hope to patients who previously had limited options, ensuring a better quality of life and improved survival rates.

"With TAVI, TAVR, and MitraClip, we're witnessing a paradigm shift in cardiac care, providing life-saving solutions without the need for open-heart surgery."

Understanding TAVI / TAVR: A Leap Forward in Cardiac Care

TAVI / TAVR are advanced procedures designed to treat aortic stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. These procedures involve the placement of a new valve via a catheter, typically inserted through the femoral artery, eliminating the need for traditional open-heart surgery.

Benefits of TAVI and TAVR:

• Minimally Invasive: Reduced risk and faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery.

• Shorter Hospital Stays: Most patients return home within a few days.

• Improved Quality of Life: Significant symptom relief and increased life expectancy.

"TAVI / TAVR are game-changers for patients with severe aortic stenosis, offering a safer alternative with remarkable outcomes."

MitraClip: A Breakthrough for Mitral Valve Regurgitation

MitraClip is an innovative treatment for mitral valve regurgitation, where the mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart. The MitraClip device is delivered via a catheter to clip the leaflets of the mitral valve together, thus improving valve closure and heart function.

Benefits of MitraClip:

• Non-Surgical: Performed through a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure.

• Rapid Recovery: Most patients experience significant improvement shortly after the procedure.

• Enhanced Heart Function: Alleviates symptoms of heart failure and reduces hospitalization rates.

"MitraClip offers a lifeline to patients suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, with transformative effects on heart health and overall well-being."

Why Choose Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Procedures?

Choosing TAVI, TAVR, or MitraClip can significantly enhance your treatment experience and outcomes. These procedures are designed for patients who are at high risk for traditional surgery or who seek a less invasive option with fewer complications and a quicker return to daily activities.

Patient Testimonials: Real Stories, Real Results

Mr. J, a 75-year-old retired teacher, shares his experience:

"After my TAVR procedure, I felt like a new person. The chest pain and breathlessness that plagued me for years disappeared, and I was back to enjoying life within days."

Mrs. SN, a 73-year-old grandmother, says:

"The MitraClip procedure gave me my life back. I can play with my grandchildren without feeling exhausted or short of breath."

Contact Us: Your Heart Health is Our Priority

If you or a loved one are suffering from severe aortic stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation, don't wait. Discover how TAVI, TAVR, and MitraClip can transform your heart health and quality of life.

Contact our specialist team today:

• Phone: 973 973 77 55

• Email: apoorvamedicalcentre@gmail.com

• Location: 180, Ground Floor, 16th Main, Jayanagar 4th T Block, Bangalore - 560041

"Transforming lives, one heartbeat at a time with TAVI, TAVR, and MitraClip."

By choosing our advanced cardiac care solutions, you are opting for state-of-the-art treatment that prioritizes your well-being and long-term health. Reach out now and take the first step towards a healthier heart.

Step-by-step guide to how the TAVI or TAVR procedure is performed

Here is a step-by-step guide to how the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure is typically performed:

Also known as Transcatheter AOrtic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Assessment Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies (such as echocardiography, CT scans, or angiography) to assess the anatomy of the aortic valve and surrounding structures.

Step 2: Anesthesia The patient is taken into the catheterization lab and placed under anesthesia. The type of anesthesia can vary and may include general anesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on the patient's condition and the preference of the medical team.

Step 3: Access Site Preparation A vascular access site is chosen, typically the femoral artery in the groin. The chosen site is sterilized, and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.

Step 4: Guidewire Insertion Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging), a thin, flexible guidewire is inserted through a needle and threaded up through the arterial system to reach the heart.

Step 5: Arterial Sheath Placement Over the guidewire, a larger sheath is inserted into the artery. This sheath provides a conduit for the delivery of the valve and other catheter-based tools to the heart.

Step 6: Catheter Delivery of Valve A specialized delivery catheter, which contains the folded replacement valve, is guided through the arterial system and into the heart using the guidewire. The catheter is carefully positioned at the site of the diseased aortic valve.

Step 7: Valve Deployment Once in position, the replacement valve is deployed. There are two main types of TAVR or TAVI valves: balloon-expandable and self-expandable.

• Balloon-Expandable Valve: This type of valve is compressed around a balloon. Once it is in place, the balloon is inflated, which expands the valve and secures it in position.

• Self-Expandable Valve: This valve is constructed with a stent-like frame that, once released from the catheter, expands on its own to fit securely within the native valve.

Step 8: Valve Assessment After deployment, the position and function of the new valve are assessed using various imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy and echocardiography, to ensure it is properly seated and functioning.

Step 9: Closure of Access Site Once the valve is confirmed to be in the correct position and functioning properly, the arterial sheath is removed, and the access site in the groin is closed. This may be done using a closure device or manually by applying pressure.

Step 10: Post-Procedure Care and Monitoring The patient is monitored closely in a ICU for a period of time to ensure stability. Vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, are closely monitored. Once stable, the patient may be transferred to a regular room for further recovery.

It's important to note that while this is a general overview of the TAVR or TAVI procedure, individual cases may vary based on the patient's specific anatomy and medical condition. The procedure is typically performed by a team of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialized nurses in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.