Heart Valve Problems : A Common Aging-Related Symptom: As individuals age, heart valve problems become more prevalent. This is often due to the prolonged wear and tear on blood vessels and heart valves, resulting in decreased flexibility and a hard, calcified texture. These changes, accompanied by fatty deposits, can cause heart valves to function less efficiently, leading to incomplete opening and closure.
Artificial Heart Valve Replacement Surgery : A Vital Lifesaving Procedure
This innovative procedure offers newfound hope for patients, albeit more commonly among the elderly and those with coexisting conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. For these individuals, traditional open-chest heart valve replacement surgery carries certain risks, rendering them ineligible for the surgical option. As a result, they often rely solely on medication to manage their symptoms, which can include fatigue, frequent fainting, and a heightened risk of mortality within 3-5 years. This increased mortality risk stems from the heart’s diminished ability to efficiently pump blood throughout the body, eventually culminating in the potential for a heart attack.
No Need for Invasive Surgery : Artificial Heart Valve Replacement
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a minimally invasive technique for replacing an artificial heart valve without the need for chest surgery. This procedure involves the use of a heart catheter with an artificial valve at its tip, which is inserted to replace a malfunctioning natural heart valve. The aim is to restore normal blood flow from the heart to the body’s organs. This technique is particularly well-suited for patients suffering from severe valvular stenosis, a condition that obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart through the major artery known as the Aortic valve. TAVI enables elderly patients to lead happier lives alongside their families and loved ones.
TAVI : A new technique… to enhance efficiency.
The TAVI Technique: Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement for Elderly and High-Risk Patients or TAVI, a revolutionary procedure, offers a lifeline to older patients, even those with underlying health conditions, by providing an alternative to major surgical interventions. This technique employs an artificial heart valve affixed to a stent, which can be compressed to a smaller size, facilitating insertion through a slender delivery system tube measuring approximately 8-10 millimeters. The tube is carefully threaded through the groin arteries, guiding the prosthetic heart valve to the apex of the left ventricle of the heart. Once precisely positioned, the compacted prosthetic valve is released from the delivery system, rapidly expanding into a fully functional replacement valve. This approach results in minimal incisions, typically located on both sides of the groin, the left side of the chest, or the upper right chest.
Advanced Age and Congenital Conditions: No Longer An Inhibiting Factor for Treatment
This method of treatment is well-suited for elderly patients, even those around 80 years old, who may have underlying health conditions. It is also appropriate for individuals with compromised lung function, those who have previously undergone heart surgery, and patients with hardened arteries. The advantages of this approach extend to lowering the incidence of surgical complications, such as infection and kidney issues. Furthermore, post-treatment, patients can experience a swifter recovery process, characterized by reduced blood loss, minimal wound-related discomfort, improved overall quality of life, enhanced physical recuperation, and the absence of risks associated with general anesthesia.
The Heart Center at Paolo Hospital Phaholyothin is dedicated to delivering comprehensive heart care services. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, our facility offers cutting-edge diagnostic tools for early detection and follows international standards in treatment. Our team of expert cardiologists also provides cardiac rehabilitation, ensuring holistic care for our patients.
