TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) in Mumbai
Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement for High-Risk Patients
Consult Dr. Siddharth Sheth – Leading TAVI Specialist in Mumbai
Understanding Aortic Valve Disease
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of your body. This forces the heart to work harder over time, which can gradually lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Common Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath – especially during activity or when lying flat
- Chest pain or tightness (angina)
- Unexplained fatigue and reduced stamina
- Dizziness or fainting – particularly during exertion
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure to replace the diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery, ideal for elderly or high-risk patients.
Why Timely Treatment Matters:
Severe aortic stenosis is a progressive condition and, if left untreated, can significantly impact both quality of life and survival. TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, especially for patients who are considered high-risk or unsuitable for conventional surgery.
Who Needs TAVI?
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) s particularly recommended for:
- Elderly patients (typically above 70–75 years) for whom open-heart surgery poses significant risk
- High-risk or intermediate-risk patients with multiple health conditions (lung disease, kidney disease, frailty)
- Patients with complex anatomy, such as a "porcelain aorta" or heavily calcified chest
- Individuals seeking a minimally invasive option with faster recovery
- Patients considered unsuitable for conventional surgery due to overall health status
TAVI has become a key advancement in heart valve treatment, offering a safe and effective option for patients who may not be ideal candidates for open-heart surgery.
What Is TAVI?
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without need for open-heart surgery. It's performed in a specialized hybrid cath lab with advanced imaging guidance, for precise valve placement.
The Procedure:
- A thin, flexible catheter is inserted—usually through the leg artery (femoral) or occasionally through a small chest incision
- The new valve (collapsible) is guided through the catheter to the heart e
- The new valve is accurately positioned within the diseased aortic valve
- The new valve is expanded, pushing the old valve leaflets aside and immediately restoring normal blood flow
- The catheter is removed—no large incisions, no stopping the heart, and typically no heart-lung machine required
Duration:
Typically 1–2 hours, depending on patient complexity
Anesthesia:
Performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, based on the patient’s condition and clinical assessment
Why Choose Dr. Siddharth Sheth for TAVI?
Unmatched Expertise:
- 20+ successful TAVI procedures performed with precision
- 15+ years of interventional cardiology experience
- Special focus on elderly and high-risk patients – including those above 90 and 100 years
- Trained in advanced valve implantation techniques
- Comprehensive care from evaluation through long-term follow-up
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
Dr. Sheth performs TAVI at one of the best hospitals in India for cardiac surgery, offering:
- Hybrid operating rooms with advanced imaging
- Multidisciplinary Heart Team – cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anesthesiologists working together
- 3D echocardiography and CT angiography for perfect valve sizing
- 24/7 critical care support
Benefits of TAVI
| Aspect | TAVI Procedure | Traditional Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Tiny puncture (catheter-based) | Large chest incision (sternotomy) |
| Heart-Lung Machine | Typically not required | Required |
| Hospital Stay | 2–5 days (varies by recovery) | 5–10 days |
| Recovery Time | Faster recovery (weeks) | Longer recovery (weeks to months) |
| Pain & Discomfort | Generally less | More significant due to surger |
- Rapid symptom relief – many patients notice improvement within days to weeks
- Improved survival – proven to extend life for inoperable patients
- Enhanced quality of life - better breathing, improved energy, and increased independence
- Shorter hospital stay - most patients are discharged in 3–5 days
- No large chest incision – helping preserve comfort and body image
- Suitable for elderly and high-risk patients
- Improved exercise tolerance and functional capacity
TAVI is safer than open surgery particularly for high-risk patients, but all procedures carry some risk. Potential complications (minimized by expert technique) include:
- Vascular complications at the access (groin) site
- Need for permanent pacemaker (in some cases)
- Stroke (rare, less than 2-3% in experienced centers)
- Paravalvular leak (usually mild and well-tolerated)
- Kidney injury (rare with preventive measures in place)
- Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) that may require monitoring or treatment
With advanced imaging, careful planning, and experienced hands, these risks can be significantly minimized. Dr. Siddharth Sheth follows a precision-driven, patient-centric approach to ensure optimal outcomes.
Hospital Stay:
- Most patients are discharged within 2–5 days
- Initial monitoring in ICU, followed by transfer to a regular room
First Week at Home:
- Resume light activities as tolerated
- Follow wound care instructions for the access site
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
First Month:
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Many patients notice significant improvement in symptoms and energy levels
- Follow-up echocardiogram to check valve function
Long-Term Care:
- Regular follow-ups, including echocardiograms
- Medication management (antiplatelets or blood thinners as advised)
- Most patients experience sustained improvement in quality of life
Unmatched Expertise:
- 20+ successful TAVI procedures performed with precision
- 15+ years of interventional cardiology experience
- Special focus on elderly and high-risk patients – including those above 90 and 100 years
- Trained in advanced valve implantation techniques
- Comprehensive care from evaluation through long-term follow-up
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
Dr. Sheth performs TAVI at one of the best hospitals in India for cardiac surgery, offering:
- Hybrid operating rooms with advanced imaging
- Multidisciplinary Heart Team – cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anesthesiologists working together
- 3D echocardiography and CT angiography for perfect valve sizing
- 24/7 critical care support
Dr. Sheth has a special passion for treating elderly patients. His approach includes:
- Detailed pre-procedure assessment, including overall health and frailty
- Preference for minimally invasive techniques and tailored sedation
- Early mobilization to support faster recovery
- Family involvement and guidance throughout the care journey
- Coordination with primary physicians and caregivers
Proven success: Dr. Sheth has successfully treated 27 patients above 90 years and 4 patients above 100 years—demonstrating that age, by itself, should never be a barrier to life-enhancing care.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Siddharth Sheth has successfully performed 20+ TAVI procedures in Mumbai. His experience with elderly and high-risk patients ensures safe, effective, and life-saving valve therapy.