Life after TAVI / TMVR

Life after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) can vary from person to person, but in general, TAVI is designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with aortic valve stenosis.

Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Symptom Relief: One of the primary goals of TAVI is to relieve the symptoms associated with aortic valve stenosis, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. After a successful TAVI procedure, nearly almost all patients experience an improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being.

2. Recovery Period: The recovery period after TAVI is typically shorter compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days (<5-7 days), depending on their individual condition.

3. Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress after TAVI. These appointments may include imaging tests (such as echocardiograms) to evaluate the functioning of the implanted valve and check for any potential issues.

4. Medications, such as blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, would be prescribed to prevent blood clots or manage other underlying conditions.

5. Long-Term Outlook: TAVI has shown positive outcomes in terms of improving quality of life and reducing symptoms. However, it's important to note that the longevity of the implanted valve can vary depending on factors such as the type of valve used and the patient's individual circumstances. Regular follow-up appointments and discussions with your healthcare provider will help assess the long-term outcomes and determine if any further interventions or monitoring are necessary.

6. Lifestyle Changes: While TAVI can greatly improve symptoms, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimize long-term outcomes. This may include regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, weight management, and smoking cessation. Your healthcare team can provide guidance on specific lifestyle modifications tailored to your needs.

In general, Post-TAVI, patients can lead normal life.

Failed Surgical Heart Valve ? Consider Valve-in-Valve TAVI / TMVR

"Valve in Valve" refers to a specific application of TAVI where a new valve is implanted within a previously implanted bioprosthetic valve. This approach is used when a patient has a failing bioprosthetic valve but is at high risk for another open-heart surgery. By using TAVI for valve-in-valve procedures, it is possible to replace a worn-out bioprosthetic valve without performing a full surgical intervention.

Redo Surgery Vs Valve-in-Valve TAVI/ TAVR:

The decision between redo surgery and valve-in-valve TAVI depends on several factors and should be made on a case-by-case basis. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health, the condition of the previous valve, the anatomy of the aortic valve, and the expertise and experience of the medical team.

Here are some considerations for each option:

Redo Surgery:

• Durability: Surgical mechanical valve replacement typically offers better long-term durability compared to bioprosthetic valves used in TAVI. If a patient is young or has a longer life expectancy, redo surgery may be preferred to ensure a longer-lasting valve replacement.

• Surgical Risk: Redo surgery is an invasive procedure that requires open-heart surgery. It may carry higher risks, especially in patients who are elderly, have multiple comorbidities, or are considered high-risk for surgical complications.

• Anatomical Considerations: The anatomy of the aortic valve and the surrounding structures play a role in determining the suitability for redo surgery. Some patients may have anatomical features that make redo surgery more challenging or risky.

Valve-in-Valve TAVI:

• Minimally Invasive: Valve-in-valve TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure, which generally leads to shorter recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and fewer post-operative complications compared to redo surgery.

• Surgical Risk: For patients who are considered high-risk or ineligible for redo surgery due to underlying health conditions, valve-in-valve TAVI can provide a less invasive alternative with lower surgical risks.

• Age and Life Expectancy: Valve-in-valve TAVI may be preferred for older patients or those with shorter life expectancy, where the focus is on symptom relief and improving quality of life rather than long-term durability.

Ultimately, the decision should be made after a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary heart team, including cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists, who can assess the individual patient's situation and determine the most suitable treatment approach. The team will consider factors such as the patient's age, overall health, valve characteristics, and the risks and benefits associated with each option to provide personalized recommendations.

Risks in Valve-in Valve TAVI:

Valve-in-valve TAVI, like any medical procedure, carries certain risks. While it is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option, it's important to be aware of potential complications. Here are some of the risks associated with valve-in-valve TAVI:

1. Procedural risks: such as bleeding, infection, blood vessel damage, or allergic reactions to anesthesia or contrast agents. These risks are similar to those associated with the standard TAVI procedure.

2. Device-related risks: The implanted valve may have complications, including valve malposition, paravalvular leak (leakage around the valve), valve migration, or valve embolization (dislodgement of the valve). These issues can affect the valve's performance and may require additional interventions or surgeries.

3. Structural deterioration: Over time, bioprosthetic valves can degenerate and fail, regardless of whether they were implanted through surgery or TAVI. The durability of the valve-in-valve procedure depends on the condition and longevity of the original bioprosthetic valve.

4. Coronary artery obstruction: In rare cases, the placement of a new valve within the existing valve can obstruct the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. In which case, emergency coronary stenting would be required

5. Other complications: Other potential risks include stroke, damage to the electrical conduction system of the heart, kidney injury, or vascular complications, such as bleeding or dissection (tearing) of blood vessels.

It's important to note that the specific risks and their likelihood can vary depending on factors such as the patient's overall health, anatomy, and the skill and experience of the medical team performing the procedure. Before undergoing any medical intervention, it is crucial to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized information about the risks and benefits based on your specific circumstances.

MRI safety of TAVR or TAVI Valves

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve with a prosthetic valve. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures. When considering the safety of TAVI in relation to MRI, there are a few important points to consider:

1. MRI Compatibility of TAVI Devices: The prosthetic valves used in TAVI procedures are typically made of metal and may contain components that can be affected by the strong magnetic field of an MRI machine. In the past, many TAVI devices were considered contraindicated for MRI due to potential risks such as valve displacement or heating. However, newer generations of TAVI devices have been developed with improved MRI compatibility.

You can check the MRI compatibility of your valve or device at : http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php

2. MRI Conditional TAVI Devices: Some TAVI devices are specifically designed and labeled as "MRI conditional." This means that they have been tested and determined to be safe for use in patients undergoing MRI under certain conditions. The manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) provide specific information regarding the MRI conditions that can be safely followed, such as the maximum magnetic field strength, specific absorption rate (SAR) limits, and scanning sequences.

3. Precautions and Assessments: Before undergoing an MRI, it is essential to assess the specific TAVI device implanted and its compatibility with MRI. This assessment is typically performed by the treating physician or a radiologist. They will review the patient's medical history, including the details of the TAVI procedure and the implanted device, and consult the device manufacturer's guidelines to determine if an MRI can be safely performed.

4. Monitoring and Follow-up: In some cases, additional monitoring may be required during an MRI scan for patients with TAVI devices. This may involve continuous monitoring of vital signs and electrocardiography (ECG) to ensure the patient's safety throughout the procedure. The medical team will closely observe the patient for any signs of discomfort, abnormal valve function, or complications during and after the MRI.

It's important to note that the specific safety guidelines and recommendations can vary depending on the TAVI device used and its MRI compatibility. Therefore, it is crucial for patients and healthcare professionals to consult the device manufacturer's instructions and work together to make informed decisions regarding MRI safety for individuals with TAVI implants.