THE Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) programme is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a narrowed aortic valve that does not open properly.
It is typically performed through a small incision in the groin, using a catheter to implant a new valve under x-ray guidance.
This complex procedure is usually performed on patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows and impedes blood flow from the heart to the body, explains Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur senior consultant cardiologist Dr Yee Kok Meng.
"Traditionally, these very sick heart patients were treated surgically by replacing the damaged heart valve with an artificial valve via open heart surgery. However such operations especially in the elderly population or those with multiple comorbidities may be very high risk," says Dr Yee.
With TAVI, surgeons are able to offer patients an alternative approach which is both minimally invasive and much safer.
Due to the complexity of the procedure, TAVI requires a teamwork approach or the setting up of a dedicated TAVI team to ensure results in terms of patient care and clinical outcomes are maintained.
In successful outcomes, patients may even be discharged within 48 hours of the procedure, adds Dr Yee.
To ensure heart health, early detection and preventive measures are crucial.
Dr Yee says detecting heart issues early is important to ensure these problems can be addressed early and the heart can perform at its best.
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