If transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is considered as therapy for high risk surgical patients for treatment of aortic stenosis, a computed tomography (CT) scan will be done prior to TAVI to assess suitability and help plan the approach and type of TAVI valve to be used. Coronary angiogram will be performed prior to TAVI and significant coronary stenosis treated first to improve safety prior to TAVI. Dental clearance will also need to be done prior to TAVI to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis.
Patient after a successful TAVI procedure will be monitored in hospital for complications, assessed for the correct function of the newly implanted TAVI and ambulated back to their baseline ambulation status prior to discharge which usually is within a week of the TAVI procedure. After TAVI, aspirin and clopidogrel will be prescribed for three to six months. Patients can generally resume normal activities after one week. Good dental hygiene needs to be maintained and patients will require antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive dental treatment after TAVI.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) – An alternative treatment for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis patients with high surgical risks (Medical News)
