Introduction

To say that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is a game changer in treating patients with severe aortic stenosis is no exaggeration, going by the studies and reports. The treatment has provided hope where there seemed none in cases of high-risk patients with aortic stenosis.

TAVR has expanded with treating moderate and low risk patients as well. Providing an enriched life and ensuring the patients' long-term good health are the goals of every medical intervention. The treatment can be transformative and lifesaving, provided patients make healthy lifestyle choices with a disciplined approach to postoperative care management.

Patients may have many questions and concerns about what to expect after TAVR and how to retain the benefits of the treatment for living a quality life.

The blog touches upon these questions, enabling readers to manifest a quality and healthy lifestyle post TAVR.

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

The need for TAVR arises when the aortic valve that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body gets diseased or damaged. The need to replace the aortic valve arises when the valve becomes narrow or wide over time, disrupting the regular and smooth flow of the blood in one direction. The heart has to strain to push the blood forward, often leading to cardiovascular diseases like heart attack. The stiffening and narrowing of the aortic valve is usually age-related.

The diseased valve is either repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the damage to the valve and the need for treatment. TAVR, as a minimally invasive option, is an alternate modality for treating aortic stenosis as compared to traditional open heart surgery. During the procedure, a replacement valve is passed to the native aortic valve's area using a catheter. The balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated, which pushes the new valve, replacing the diseased valve. Once the new valve starts functioning, the catheter and the deflated balloon are removed, and the incision is closed.

What to Expect From TAVR?

As a minimally invasive procedure, the procedure provides-

• - a ray of hope to high-risk patients of severe aortic stenosis who are deemed inoperable with open surgery.
• - patients return to their feet faster with fewer incisions, less tissue trauma, less pain, faster healing, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays.
• - patients can resume their routine quicker and healthier post-TAVR, with relief from the symptoms of aortic stenosis, breathing normally, feeling happier and healthier, and regaining energy as the heart is healthier and functioning better with the new valve.
• - quality of life to the patient who undergoes a transformation; all previous emotional anxiety, physical pain, discomfort, and psychological distress become things of the past, with a new and healthier life taking over.
• - an improved heart health to the patients.

How to Live a Quality Life After TAVR?

The treatment aims to provide patients with an enriched life, provided they resort to healthy lifestyle choices and follow postoperative care management.

Patients must ensure to have-

• - Cardiac rehab, a priority: Post TAVR, the initial few weeks should be devoted to recovery, taking care of incision wounds, follow-up visits with the doctor, physical therapy under the supervision of a therapist, self-care, and counseling for addressing anxiety, stress, or other emotional issues. One must be kinder to oneself by taking things easy and taxing oneself less by going slow with the routine.  
• - Healthy Diet: A healthy and nutritious diet is necessary for quicker recovery. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and less saturated fats, sugar, salt, and sodium should be part of the routine.
• - Exercise regime: A daily dose of exercise is the need of the hour. One must ensure not to overdo physical exertion since the incision wound is fresh and one is low on physical energy in the initial recovery days. To start with, the therapist recommended slow impact exercise like walking should be made part of the exercise regime.
• - Regular medications: One must continue with the prescribed medications without a break and as a routine. The diuretic, antibiotics, pain relievers, or other medications must be taken in consultation with the healthcare provider and should not be discontinued without consultation.
• - Stay aware and informed: One must always be aware of any changes or symptoms in the body that call for immediate medical attention. One must stay alert and aware of potential risks and complications post-treatment and consult the doctor immediately. Regular follow-ups and checkups that help the patients stay informed about their heart health are a must for living a quality and healthier life post-valve replacement.  

Conclusion

With its successful outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy, TAVR has been gaining acceptance as an established treatment option for treating patients with aortic stenosis. It aims to improve the patient's quality of life and provide healthy living for the rest of their life, provided they consistently follow the recommended course of action for postoperative care and management.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7525505/#:~:text=By%202014%2C%20TAVR%20was%20performed,be%20conducted%20annually%20%5B8%5D.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/991573?form=fpf

 https://bjcardio.co.uk/2023/03/introduction-overcoming-barriers-to-treating-severe-aortic-stenosis/