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Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?
I am 75 years old with severe aortic stenosis. My doctor has recommended a valve replacement with the TAVR procedure. I had a heart catheterization two weeks ago that precipitated a “brain attack” that was terrifying. I spent that night on the neurology floor, and was released the next afternoon after completely recovering from the stroke. Now I am terrified of having them going into my arteries and heart again, for fear of another stroke that could leave me permanently incapacitated, or even kill me. I’m scheduled to have a CT cardiac angiogram exam to see if the TAVR approach is even possible. I don’t know whether to take my chances with the stenosis and let nature take its course, or risk the procedure. Before the stroke I was okay with it, but now it seems that I could be cutting my life short, rather than being able to enjoy what time is left. I cry a lot and pray a lot. I simply have no idea what I should do. My symptoms are mild. I was chalking them up to old age before I was told I had severe stenosis. I’m told the risks of the procedure are small, but if it affects you, it’s 100% 😞
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Here's some other info I came across that helps explain the difference between SAVR and TAVR:
TAVR: TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that involves accessing the heart through blood vessels, typically in the groin, and delivering a collapsible artificial valve to the aortic position using a catheter. The new valve is expanded and replaces the diseased valve.
SAVR: SAVR is an open-heart surgery that requires a sternotomy, where the breastbone is divided to access the heart. The damaged valve is surgically removed, and a prosthetic valve is sewn into place.
Invasiveness:
TAVR: TAVR is less invasive than SAVR since it does not require a large incision or stopping the heart during the procedure. It is often performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
SAVR: SAVR is a more invasive procedure that involves opening the chest, stopping the heart, and using a heart-lung machine to circulate blood during the surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia.
Patient Characteristics:
TAVR: TAVR is generally considered for patients who are at high or intermediate surgical risk, especially those who are elderly or have multiple comorbidities that make open-heart surgery riskier.
SAVR: SAVR is typically performed on patients who are at low or intermediate surgical risk, including those who are younger and healthier with no significant comorbidities.
Recovery:
TAVR: TAVR typically offers a quicker recovery period compared to SAVR. The hospital stay is usually shorter, and patients may experience less pain and have a faster return to daily activities.
SAVR: SAVR requires a longer recovery period due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Hospital stays are typically longer, and patients may have a slower return to normal activities.
Risks and Complications:
TAVR: While TAVR is less invasive, it is associated with certain risks such as vascular complications, stroke, valve leakage, and the need for repeat procedures.
SAVR: SAVR carries risks associated with open-heart surgery, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, stroke, and a longer rehabilitation period.
If you go the TAVR route, ask your cardiologist how long the artificial valve is designed to last (vs. how long the prosthetic valve used in SAVR is supposed to last).
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2 ReactionsHello @cathyroc. You will notice I have moved your post into an existing discussion on aortic valve replacement, which you can find here:
- Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacement/
I did this to allow you to connect with members like @yongy @user_ch32491d1 @phstf1962 and @gloaming.
Have you had a pre-surgical consult? When is your procedure scheduled?
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1 ReactionI’ve been home 3 days and I walked 3/4 if a mile this morning. I was discharged from hospital exactly 24 hours after procedure. The most difficult part for me was lying flat for 4 hours after procedure but they can mildly sedate you to help. Good luck!
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2 ReactionsI had New valve. Did’nt need it. I was then told , I had Cardiomothy. I was put on CAMYZOS for months. I got worse. I got new Dr. and was told I have Amylodosis. Got off CAMYZOS and put on Vyndamax. Feeling a little better. I’m 81 and I can now walk to the mailbox. Many doctors don’t screen for Amylodosis. God Bless
I am 91 and had it done a year ago and now walk a mile every day. A wonderful experience.
Good luck
Hi davej. I had severe aortic stenosis along with a bicuspid valve. I had the option of TAVR but my surgeon advised that it would trap the “junk” (calcification) in there and create the possibility of strokes or other issues down the road. I decided to go with full open heart surgery. That turned out to be the right choice since it turned out the calcification had backed into one heart chamber. Because of that TAVR would have been a disaster. (This was 2 years ago)
My valve is designed to accept a TAVR replacement, so I have that option down the road.
In any case, I think the choice depends on a lot of factors. Mostly, I’d suggest finding a surgeon who’ll explain all your options along with how each one specifically affects your case.
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1 Reaction@bitranch
I agree with you- there are times when a surgical option for valve replacement is the better one.
I had a TAVR in June without complications. Before the procedure I was told that they may have to operate if something didn’t go well. There was a cardio thoracic surgeon on standby.
There are certain testing done before the valve replacement- cardiac cath and CT angiogram- that helps with the decision making.
Greetings everyone. Has anyone done both the TAVR (Transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and TEVAR (Thoracic endovascular aortic repair) procedures at the same time? I was recently advised that I will need an aortic root repair (5.0cm) along with replacing my aortic valve (severe calcification and stenosis). I would really like to do the TAVR and TEVAR procedures together. I am not in a position that I can stop working for a long period of time, and the short recovery times are appealing. I was advised the TAVR may not be great as it pushes the old valve out of the way, and the calcification may prevent a good seal, and a "hand sewn" valve is much better. But, from what I have read, i would really like the minimally invasive procedures.
Thanks in advance!