Structural heart intervention is a minimally invasive field of cardiology aimed at treating various cardiac conditions without traditional open-heart surgery. It includes procedures like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Mitraclip, and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO). Through catheters inserted via blood vessels, damaged or dysfunctional heart structures are repaired or replaced. This innovative approach offers shorter recovery times, reduced risks, and improved outcomes, particularly for patients deemed high-risk for surgery.
Patient selection for structural heart interventions entails a thorough assessment of medical history, current health, and cardiac condition. A multidisciplinary team evaluates the severity of the disease using imaging and clinical data. Suitable candidates, typically those with valvular or congenital heart defects, comorbidities that make traditional surgery risky, or a preference for minimally invasive options, are selected for these procedures, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Cutting-edge structural heart interventions provide alternatives to traditional surgeries, reducing complications, and offering quicker recovery times for patients while ensuring effective treatment of their underlying cardiac conditions.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI):
TAVR, also known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), is a revolutionary approach to treating aortic valve disease, especially aortic stenosis. This minimally invasive procedure involves:
Small incisions are made, typically in the groin or chest area, to access the femoral or other arteries.
A collapsible replacement valve is guided through catheters to the site of the damaged aortic valve.
The new valve is expanded, pushing aside the old valve leaflets, and begins functioning immediately.
Patients often experience a faster recovery with shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
MitraClip (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair):
MitraClip is employed to treat mitral valve regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve fails to close properly. This innovative procedure involves:
The MitraClip device is guided through a catheter, typically inserted into a vein in the leg, until it reaches the heart.
The device's clip is placed on the mitral valve leaflets, repairing the leaky valve by allowing it to close more effectively.
With the mitral valve restored to its proper function, blood flow through the heart is improved, relieving symptoms.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO):
LAAO procedures are used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It involves:
A medical device is delivered through a catheter to the left atrial appendage, a common source of blood clots in AFib.
The device is deployed, effectively sealing off the left atrial appendage, preventing blood clots from forming and potentially causing strokes.
LAAO significantly lowers the risk of stroke in AFib patients, reducing or eliminating the need for blood-thinning medications.
Follow-up care for structural heart interventions is vital for monitoring patient progress and ensuring treatment success.
This comprehensive follow-up approach enhances patient outcomes, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Structural heart intervention advancements will include developments such as AI-guided procedures, bio-compatible materials, and even more minimally invasive techniques.
Atrius leads the way in adopting cutting-edge technologies and techniques, ensuring our patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. Our renowned specialists are at the forefront of their field, delivering expert care customised to individual needs, with the promise of achieving optimal outcomes.