AAA Endovascular Graft Repair (TAVR)
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- / Dr. Ravi Gupta
AAA Endovascular Graft Repair (TAVR)
AAA Endovascular Graft Repair
Purpose
Aneurysm Repair: To treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by placing a graft inside the aneurysm to prevent rupture and stabilize the aorta.
Pre-Procedure Assessment
Imaging Studies: CT scans or ultrasounds to measure the size and shape of the aneurysm.
Patient Evaluation: Assessment of overall health, including kidney function and vascular anatomy.
Procedure
Access: Typically performed through the femoral arteries (in the groin).
Graft Placement: A catheter with a folded stent-graft is guided through the arteries to the site of the aneurysm. The graft is then deployed, expanding to line the aorta and exclude the aneurysm from blood flow.
Confirmation: Post-procedure imaging to confirm proper placement and function of the graft.
Post-Procedure Care
Monitoring: Observation for complications such as bleeding or endoleak (where blood leaks around the graft).
Medications: Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy to prevent clotting and ensure graft patency.
Follow-Up: Regular imaging to monitor graft performance and aneurysm status.
Benefits
Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions compared to open surgery.
Reduced Recovery Time: Typically shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Purpose
Valve Replacement: To treat aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve) by replacing the diseased valve with a new valve via a catheter-based approach.
Pre-Procedure Assessment
Imaging Studies: CT scans to evaluate the aortic valve and surrounding structures, and echocardiography to assess heart function.
Patient Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall health, including comorbid conditions.
Procedure
Access: Often performed through the femoral artery (in the groin), but other access points may be used (e.g., subclavian artery or direct transapical approach).
Valve Deployment: A catheter with a folded replacement valve is guided to the aortic valve. The new valve is then deployed, pushing the old valve aside or inside it.
Confirmation: Post-procedure imaging to ensure proper placement and function of the new valve.
Post-Procedure Care
Monitoring: Observation for complications such as bleeding, valve dysfunction, or arrhythmias.
Medications: Antiplatelet therapy to prevent clotting on the new valve.
Follow-Up: Regular follow-up to assess valve function and overall heart health.
Benefits
Minimally Invasive: Avoids the need for open-heart surgery.
Reduced Recovery Time: Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery compared to traditional valve replacement.
Both AAA endovascular graft repair and TAVR are critical advancements in cardiovascular medicine, providing less invasive options for treating life-threatening conditions and improving patient outcomes.