Globally, aortic stenosis is among the most common cardiovascular diseases, affecting especially people over 70 years of age. However, at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iasi, an innovative method called TAVI (percutaneous aortic valve implantation) offers a chance to save patients for whom open heart surgery is contraindicated.
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Aortic stenosis, a degenerative disease of the aortic valve, represents a major challenge in the medical field, being the second most common cardiovascular disease worldwide. This disease occurs predominantly in people over 70 years of age and can have serious consequences on quality of life and longevity.
However, at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iasi, an important step in the fight against aortic stenosis is represented by the TAVI procedure. This method, which involves percutaneous implantation of the aortic valve, is a safe and effective alternative for frail patients or those in whom classic open-heart surgery would be contraindicated, medical professionals say.
“TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids a chest incision and uses a catheter to insert a new aortic valve into the body. This significantly reduces the risks and the postoperative recovery period for patients, allowing them to benefit from a rapid improvement in health and quality of life“, according to doctors from the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iasi.
According to them, TAVI represents a significant advance in the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine. It is a vital option for patients who would not be able to survive open heart surgery or who would have a very high risk associated with this procedure.
“This means that the sternum incision is no longer made. The heart does not stop. Through certain wires and catheters, the valve is inserted directly into its place in the aorta”, underlines the university professor. Dr. Grigore Tinică, manager of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iasi
