A Better Beat: Treating Aortic Stenosis Without Open Heart Surgery

Severe aortic stenosis can cause breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting even during simple daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. Many people think these symptoms are just part of ageing, but they may be a sign that the heart valve has become dangerously narrow.

The aortic valve is the doorway that lets oxygen-rich blood move from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, calcium can build up on this valve, making it stiff and narrow.

This makes the heart work much harder to push blood through. If not treated, it can lead to tiredness, chest pain, breathlessness, and even heart failure. Early diagnosis and timely treatment by an experienced Cardiologist in Ahmedabad can help prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.

For many years, open-heart surgery was the main treatment. Today, TAVR/TAVI offers a less invasive option for selected patients by replacing the valve without a large chest opening. At Apollo CVHF Ahmedabad, advanced structural heart procedures such as TAVR are performed by experienced cardiac specialists using state-of-the-art technology.

How TAVR Works: Step-by-Step Delivery

TAVR is done from inside the blood vessels, so the chest usually does not need to be opened.

Doctors usually enter through a small opening in the groin to reach the artery that leads to the heart. A thin tube called a catheter carries the new valve to the narrowed aortic valve.

Once in position, the new valve is expanded and starts working with the next heartbeat, helping blood flow more easily to the body.

Who Is TAVR/TAVI Best Suited For?

TAVR/TAVI is a minimally invasive treatment for people with severe aortic stenosis who have symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.

It may be a good option for:

• Older adults, especially those above 80 years, may benefit from a faster recovery than open-heart surgery.
• People at high risk for surgery because of frailty or other illnesses such as lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or a past stroke.
• Patients who have had heart surgery before or have difficult chest or aortic anatomy that makes open surgery riskier.
• People with a failing tissue valve from a previous valve replacement, where a new valve can sometimes be placed inside the old one.

For people aged 65–80, the choice between TAVR and open surgery depends on overall health, life expectancy, and discussion with the Heart Team. Consulting an experienced Cardiologist in Ahmedabad can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual patient needs.

Comparing Options: TAVR vs. Traditional SAVR

Once patients understand who may benefit from TAVR, the next question is how it compares with traditional open-heart valve replacement. Many people who have TAVR can sit up, walk, and breathe comfortably within 12 to 24 hours.

SAVR is still an excellent and necessary treatment in some situations. But for suitable patients, TAVR often means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to daily life.

At Apollo CVHF Ahmedabad, patients receive comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans from a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Recognized by many patients as one of the Best Heart Hospitals in Ahmedabad, Apollo CVHF is committed to providing advanced cardiac care, innovative treatments, and better outcomes for individuals with heart valve disease.

Takeaway: TAVR may offer a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay for suitable patients, while SAVR remains the better choice in some situations.

When to Speak to Your Doctor

Speak to a doctor if you have:

• Breathlessness with daily activities
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness or fainting on performing activities
• Unusual tiredness
• Worsening symptoms if you already have aortic stenosis

Do not ignore these symptoms. Early medical advice can help decide if treatment is needed.