Let’s talk about TAVI (transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
WITHIN THE HEART, THE AORTIC VALVE IS AN IMPORTANT VALVE. THE LARGEST ARTERY IN THE BODY, THE AORTA IS THE MAIN ARTERY THAT CARRIES BLOOD AWAY FROM YOUR HEART TO THE REST OF YOUR BODY. THE BLOOD LEAVES THE HEART THROUGH THE AORTIC VALVE. THEN IT TRAVELS THROUGH THE AORTA, MAKING A CANE-SHAPED CURVE THAT ALLOWS OTHER MAJOR ARTERIES TO DELIVER OXYGEN-RICH BLOOD TO THE BRAIN, MUSCLES AND OTHER CELLS. Degeneration can occur with ageing, along with previous heart valve infection or rheumatic fever. These processes can lead to both restriction (aortic stenosis) and/or leakiness (aortic regurgitation) of the heart valve. When the valve is diseased, this can
cause tiredness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or stroke. The conventional method for aortic stenosis treatment is open heart surgery where the valve is usually excised and replaced with either a tissue valve or mechanical valve. This will improve forward flow from the heart and improve a patient’s symptoms as well as increasing their life span. Transcathether aortic valve implant is an alternative to open heart surgery in selected patients. A collapsed stent valve is inserted usually through the groin artery into the heart, like a conventional coronary angiogram. Once the valve is in position, it will then be opened up, securing it in the desired position. In some patients the TAVI will be done through a small incision in the chest, with a wound that is smaller than traditional open-heart surgery. Not all patients are suitable for TAVI. All patients who end up having a TAVI
46 slim magazine Summer 2021/22
need to be seen by both a cardiac surgeon as well as a cardiologist, along with a team of specialists to determine the best treatment option.
DR BEN ANDERSON MBBS BMedSci FRACS VMO Gold Coast Private, Pindara and John Flynn Private Hospital and The Tweed Hospitals. Treating patients at Goonellabah Medical Centre. heartsurgerygoldcoast.com.au
