Here’s a detailed guide on TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), TVR (Transcatheter Valve Replacement), and TMVR (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement), covering their types, symptoms, risk factors, causes, prevention, treatment, and procedures.
These procedures are ideal for patients who are not suitable for traditional open-heart surgery due to age, frailty, or other health risks.
A collapsible valve is expanded using a balloon inside the damaged valve.
A flexible valve that expands on its own after placement.
Used for patients who already have a previous valve replacement but need a new one.
A catheter-based method to repair a leaking mitral valve instead of full replacement.
Combines catheter-based techniques with traditional surgery when necessary.
These procedures are recommended for patients experiencing:
Although minimally invasive, these procedures still have potential risks, including:
These procedures are necessary when heart valves become too narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation) due to:
Aortic Stenosis – Severe narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation – The mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
Congenital Heart Valve Defects – Some people are born with valve abnormalities.
Aging and Calcium Buildup – Valves stiffen over time, leading to dysfunction.
Rheumatic Heart Disease – Caused by untreated streptococcal infections.
Endocarditis – Infections damaging the heart valves.
You can reduce the risk of valve disease through:
(low in saturated fat and processed foods).
to keep the heart strong.
to reduce heart strain.
like strep throat to prevent rheumatic fever.
to monitor valve function.
Before recommending TAVI/TVR/TMVR, doctors may try:
Blood thinners, beta-blockers, and diuretics to manage symptoms.
A balloon catheter is used to widen a narrowed valve (temporary relief for aortic stenosis).
Healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management
Transfemoral Approach (Through the Leg Artery) – The catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin.
Transapical Approach (Through the Chest) – A small incision is made in the chest to access the heart directly.
Transaortic Approach (Through the Aorta) – A small incision is made in the upper chest to access the aorta.
Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip) – A clip is placed to fix a leaking mitral valve.
Valve-in-Valve Procedure – A new transcatheter valve is placed inside a failing bioprosthetic valve.
Hospital Stay – Usually 2–5 days.
Full Recovery – Takes about 2–4 weeks (faster than open-heart surgery).
Blood Thinners – Some patients may need them to prevent clots.
Cardiac Rehabilitation – A supervised program for heart health improvement.
Less invasive (no open-heart surgery)
Faster recovery time
Lower risk for elderly and high-risk patients
Effective in treating severe aortic and mitral valve diseases
