TAVR Is A Great Non Surgical Treatment Option For Aortic Valve Stenosis

Senior people with heavy calcium deposits on their heart's aortic valve, also known as aortic stenosis (AS) are considered too high risk for valve replacement surgery. AS develops when the aortic valve (it is located between the left chamber of the ticker and the aorta which is the main artery delivering blood from the ticker to the body) doesn't open properly or gets narrowed, which causes the ticker to work harder to pump required quantity of blood into the aorta, which in turn, can lead to thickening and enlargement of the ticker eventually leading to heart failure (HF). Fainting, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of ankle and knee, dizziness and heart murmur are some symptoms of AS.

For patients considered too high risk for valve replacement surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a great option (a minimally invasive procedure) that involves insertion of an aortic valve within a damaged valve through a catheter, which then is either expanded by a balloon or expands by itself. This procedure results in faster recovery post procedure since the method can be performed through small openings.

Before talking about the benefits of TAVR, here's what you should know about an "ACLS certification Memphis."

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Classes- This American Heart Association ACLS course is an advanced CPR course designed for healthcare and emergency medical providers, such as paramedics, physicians, nurses, surgeons and all other medically related professionals that must be prepared to handle a crisis situation. Team communication in response to immediate and post cardiac arrest care is the main focus of the course.

Benefits Of TAVR:

Individuals at an intermediate or high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement, individuals having an existing biological valve that was inserted previously to replace the aortic valve but isn't working well anymore- are ideal candidates for TAVR.

1.      The procedure doesn't require stopping the ticker or opening the chest cavity, and can be conducted without general anesthesia.

2.      In comparison to open heart surgery, you'll be discharged from the hospital within a few days and the recovery period will also be much shorter.

3.      The valve, once in place, starts functioning right away.

4.      Lesser pain and anxiety.

5.      No chest scars.

Risks:

Although TAVR carries risk of several major problems including blood vessel complications, bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm abnormalities, kidney disease, heart attack, issues associated with replacement valve like valve leaking, infection and death- there has been good advancements made to help prevent these complications. Also, this procedure might even become the gold standard for aortic valve replacement in the near future.

It is your doctor, who after evaluating you will confirm whether you are the right candidate for TAVR.

After you've undergone the procedure, you may spend the night in the ICU for monitoring. Your doctor might prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots and will also discuss about how long you may need to take these medications. You need to follow their instructions to the tee. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor is essential where you can inform them if you have any new or worsening signs or symptoms.

Equip yourself in the lifesaving CPR procedure to face cardiac emergencies expertly.