Aortic valve stenosis is the most common heart disease in the world. It usually develops with age due to degenerative changes against the background of arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. The opening of the valve gradually narrows, and it becomes increasingly difficult for the heart to deliver blood to the systemic circulation.
The problem is solved with the help of heart valve prosthetic repair, during which an artificial aortic valve is implanted instead. The operation is usually performed through an incision on the chest, but German clinics also use a minimally invasive approach: a new heart valve is placed through the blood vessels. The TAVI procedure (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is safer, less traumatic, and provides the same reliable results as open surgery. You can undergo your TAVI in Germany by choosing a hospital and a medical care program through the Booking Health service.
Principles of the TAVI method
Doctors no longer need to dissect the patient’s chest and heart to place an artificial valve. It can be delivered to the aorta through the blood vessels through a small incision in the groin.
When performing the operation, doctors insert the necessary instruments through the femoral vein (for high-frequency pacing of the heart during heart valve implantation) and the femoral artery. The procedure is carried out under the guidance of X-ray diagnostics. A balloon is inserted into the aorta and inflated to widen the heart valve opening. An artificial heart valve is then delivered here and fixed on top of the destroyed one.
Who may be a candidate for the TAVI procedure?
The TAVI operation is considered the first choice in the following cases:
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Symptoms associated with aortic stenosis
- Changes in the heart caused by aortic stenosis
- Absence of aortic valve insufficiency
- Absence of other valvular defects and heart diseases that require correction during open surgery
Typically, the TAVI procedure is performed for isolated aortic stenosis in patients at high and intermediate surgical risk, and this is the case for the majority of people with this disease. Open surgery is performed for aortic stenosis combined with heart valve insufficiency or other heart defects. This treatment option is also suitable for young patients who need to implant a mechanical artificial valve, as it lasts longer because it does not degrade over time, unlike a biological valve prosthesis.
Benefits of TAVI
There is no doubt that TAVI is better than open surgery for aortic stenosis because the treatment technique provides similar results and yet has many advantages. These are the following:
- Low mortality rate
- Lower trauma rate
- Low risk of complications
- The minimum length of a hospital stay and the duration of hospitalization is 3-4 days
- No need for long-term rehabilitation as patients quickly return to their normal lives
- Better treatment tolerance (minimal postoperative discomfort)
- Better aesthetic results (no big scar on the chest)
You are welcome to visit the Booking Health website if you want to undergo your TAVI treatment for aortic valve disease. On our website, you can find out the cost of the procedure at different hospitals and make your treatment appointment at the best price. The specialists from the Booking Health company will help you choose a hospital and a doctor, as well as fully organize your trip. At the same time, treatment will cost you less due to the absence of high taxes for foreign patients. You will not have to solve a lot of organizational issues, as we will do so instead of you, and you will be able to fully focus on restoring your health.
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