Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) in Delhi, India: A Minimally Invasive Solution for High-Risk Heart Patients

Overview
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a damaged or narrowed aortic valve by deploying a catheter through the blood vessels. This innovative procedure has gained popularity in India, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Delhi.

In India, heart disease affects a significant portion of the population, with around 13% suffering from various heart problems. For severe cases of aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve), open-heart surgery or surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is often required. However, this procedure can be high-risk, complex, and challenging for elderly patients, especially those over 70 years of age. As a result, a significant number of these patients (30-40%) are unable to undergo the surgical AVR.

TAVI Procedure

To address the needs of these high-risk patients, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a safer and less invasive alternative. This procedure is now being performed by specialized cardiac teams in several hospitals across Delhi.

During the TAVI procedure, the surgeon inserts a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) through a small incision, typically in the groin or under the collarbone. The catheter carries a balloon on its tip, which is used to gently inflate and expand the new tissue valve within the damaged aortic valve. This minimally invasive approach avoids the need for open-heart surgery and the associated risks.

Benefits of TAVI

The TAVI procedure has proven to be a game-changer for high-risk heart patients in Delhi, offering several benefits over the traditional surgical AVR:

• Minimal blood loss
• Safe for patients with previous heart surgeries
• Faster recovery (3-4 days of hospital stay)
• Improved quality of life post-surgery

Eligibility and Risks

TAVI is typically reserved for patients whose bodies are too weak to undergo open-heart surgery, such as those over 70 years of age. Other eligible candidates include:

• Patients with a history of prior heart surgery
• Patients with coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral arterial disease
• Patients at risk of kidney failure or with chronic respiratory disorders
• Patients with a severely calcified aorta

While TAVI is generally safe and effective, the procedure does carry some risks, including valve leaks, kidney damage, vascular complications, and an increased risk of stroke during or after the procedure. These risks are well-understood and can be managed by experienced cardiac teams in Delhi.

Overall, the availability of TAVI in Delhi has provided a valuable treatment option for high-risk heart patients, offering a minimally invasive solution and improved outcomes compared to traditional surgical approaches.