Advanced technology and the use of domestically manufactured valves have made Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) safer and more affordable. TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a heart condition that results in the narrowing of the aortic valve, which can lead to heart failure.
In recent years, TAVI has become increasingly common, offering a safer alternative to open heart surgery for senior citizens with heart conditions. However, the procedure can be challenging in cases where patients have comorbidities or compromised health.
Dr Anmol Sonawane, a national and international proctor for TAVI technology, recently shed light on the procedure during a visit to Wockhardt Hospital in Nagpur. He performed TAVI on a 67-year-old man who was at risk if subjected to traditional open heart surgery due to hypertension and kidney problems. Along with Dr Sonawane, the medical team also included cardiologists Dr Nitin Tiwari, Dr Amey Beedkar, cardiovascular surgeon Dr Sameet Pathak, and anaesthesiologist Pankaj Chaudhary Jain.
According to Dr Sonawane, the use of made-in-India valves has significantly improved patient outcomes by adhering to international standards while providing a cost-effective solution. By leveraging domestic manufacturing capabilities, TAVI is now accessible to a wider population.
Various valves are available in the market, made from synthetic materials (mechanical), animal tissue (biological), or a combination of the two. TAVI valves are expected to last for approximately 10 to 15 years, after which they may need replacement. However, advancements in technology may witness the development of longer-lasting valves with a lifespan exceeding 20 years.
Dr Beedkar highlighted why TAVI is preferred for senior citizens with heart conditions, emphasizing that advanced age and higher surgical risks make traditional open heart surgery a less viable option. TAVI offers a safer alternative for older patients who may have comorbidities or compromised health. Younger patients may also benefit from this procedure if the life of the valve increases in the future.
Dr Tiwari emphasized the effectiveness of TAVI and its numerous benefits such as shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery periods, and minimal scarring. This procedure involves the implantation of a replacement valve through a catheter, which is inserted through a very small incision.
In summary, the application of advanced technology and the use of domestically manufactured valves have made TAVI safer and more affordable. TAVI provides a safe alternative for senior citizens with heart conditions and may benefit younger patients in the future as well. With advancements in technology, longer-lasting valves with a lifespan exceeding 20 years may soon become a reality.
