TAVR

| 22 July 2025

Overview of TAVI vs. Open-Heart Surgery

Are you afraid of the idea of having open heart surgery? Major heart surgeries that take hours, require weeks in the hospital, and come with risks like infection can be terrifying for both the patient and their loved ones. But what if there was a way to recover without such a complex procedure? Thanks to modern advancements in surgery, minimally invasive options like TAVI offer a chance for early recovery with fewer complications. TAVI is a procedure used for patients with arterial stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed due to calcium and plaque buildup. This can block normal blood flow to the heart. Experts at the best TAVI clinic in Mumbai at Jaslok Hospital, consider TAVI to be the top choice for treating various heart valve blockages nowadays.

H1: What is TAVI?

You may be curious about what the TAVI procedure involves! Here is what you need to know. 

TAVI, which stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, is a minimally invasive procedure where a new artificial valve is placed in the patient's heart to replace a damaged or faulty valve. This is done through 3 to 4 small cuts using precise imaging and a technique called cardiac catheterization.

Who is The Right Candidate For TAVI?

Patients who have a severe narrowing of the main heart valve and cannot have the usual open-heart surgery are often suggested to have this alternative procedure.

• Older people over 70 years old
• People who have already had heart surgery in the past
• Those with a severely calcified (very hardened) aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart
• People with severe kidney disease or kidney failure
• Those suffering from long-term respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Patients with cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain

What Are The Advantages of TAVI?

Based on the advice from the experienced tavr Surgeon in Mumbai, here are the benefits of choosing TAVI over open-heart surgery method.

• Minimally Invasive: TAVI is performed via a catheterization technique, requiring only small incisions. Unlike open-heart surgery, which necessitates a major surgical cut in the chest, TAVI minimizes trauma and reduces recovery complexity. lower extent of surgical intervention often results in fewer complications related to surgery, such as infection or extensive blood loss.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Most TAVI patients can expect to be discharged from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours post-procedure, allowing for a swift return home and less time away from normal routines. Patients frequently report being able to resume daily activities, including walking and light exercise, within a week, enhancing overall quality of life sooner.
• Lower Risk of Complications: TAVI has a lower incidence of complications like stroke and bleeding, making it a safer alternative for many, especially those with existing health complications. Post-operative care is often less intensive, requiring fewer resources.
• Better for High-Risk Patients: TAVI is an excellent option for older individuals or those with comorbidities who might face higher risks with traditional surgeries. It provides a life-extending intervention for patients who are typically high-risk.

What is Open-Heart Surgery?

Open-heart surgery involves a more traditional approach where a large incision is made in the chest to gain access to the heart. This method generally requires stopping the heart and employing a heart-lung machine to handle circulation during the operation. The damaged valve is then excised and replaced with a new valve.

Advantages of Open-Heart Surgery

• Proven Long-Term Outcomes: Open-heart surgery has a well-established track record with patients enjoying durable valve replacements. The surgical techniques have been refined over decades, ensuring robust long-term data supporting its efficacy. Many patients find comfort in the long-standing success rates associated with traditional valve replacements.
• Ideal for Younger Patients: Generally, younger patients or those without prior health complications are better suited for open-heart surgery, as their bodies can typically better withstand the surgery's demands and may experience less postoperative recovery challenges.
• Ability to Address Multiple Issues: Unlike TAVI, open-heart surgery allows surgeons to address multiple heart issues in one procedure. If patients require the repair of other heart valves or coronary artery bypass grafting, these can be performed concurrently, reducing the necessity for additional surgeries.

Considerations for Choosing Between TAVI and Open-Heart Surgery

• Patient's Age and Health Status: Generally, TAVI is recommended for older patients or those with significant health issues, while traditional surgery may be favorable for younger, healthier patients. A thorough evaluation of overall health, including comorbidities, is essential to determine the best choice.
• Surgical Risk Assessment: A cardiologist and cardiac surgeon assess the patient’s surgical risk using various tests, including echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization, to determine which approach poses the least risk to the patient.
• Recovery Preferences: If a patient desires a quicker recovery to return to daily activities, TAVI may be the more appealing choice. Conversely, if the patient is open to a longer recovery for potentially more durable outcomes, open-heart surgery could be considered.
• Long-Term Goals and Follow-ups: TAVI may require regular monitoring for the functioning of the valve, whereas surgically placed valves generally have a longer lifespan before any complications arise. Patients should discuss the implications of each procedure for future heart health and whether further interventions might be needed.

Also Read: 10 Powerful Benefits of TAVI for Elderly Heart Patients with Aortic Stenosis

The choice between TAVI and open-heart surgery is complex and should be made collaboratively with your healthcare provider. Conversations about your specific health conditions, lifestyle preferences, and surgical risks are crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment path. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations, yet both are designed to improve heart health and enhance quality of life. If your doctor has suggested TAVI for your heart condition but you're unsure and want another doctor's advice, you can rely on us. We provide top-quality TAVI treatment in Mumbai and have carried out many successful procedures.