Aortic Stenosis & TAVI

Aortic stenosis is a heart condition where the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the heart to the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. This narrowing occurs due to the thickening or stiffening of the valve's leaflets. It can be congenital (present at birth) or develop later in life. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. Severe cases can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death if left untreated. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures like valve replacement. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes.

TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. It's a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic stenosis, particularly in patients who are at high risk or not suitable candidates for traditional open-heart surgery.

During a TAVI procedure, a new valve is implanted within the diseased aortic valve using a catheter. The catheter is typically inserted through an artery in the leg and guided up to the heart. Once in position, the new valve is expanded, pushing aside the old, damaged valve, and taking over its function.

TAVI has become increasingly popular due to its lower risk compared to open-heart surgery and shorter recovery times. However, it's not suitable for all patients, and the decision on whether to pursue TAVI or traditional surgery depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health and anatomy.

#TAVI
#TranscatheterAorticValveImplantation
#HeartHealth
#Cardiology
#MinimallyInvasiveSurgery
#HeartValve
#AorticStenosis
#CardiacCare
#InterventionalCardiology
#HealthyHeart