Percutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation: An Effective Way to Cure Aortic Valve Stenosis

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to opt for the remotely working lifestyle that has limited their physical exercises and accelerated their consumption of unhealthy food items. This lethargic lifestyle is not only affecting human health but is also inducing a series of depression and anxiety among people, making it harder for them to stay motivated at such unprecedented times. Reportedly, these issues also affect our cardiovascular system and heart valves by thickening them, thus reducing the blood flow from our heart to the body. During such critical emergencies, various operations like percutaneous aortic valve implantation are performed to restore the blood flow and diminish the signs of aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve) like fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

As per a comprehensive report published by Research Dive, the global percutaneous aortic valve implantation market is expected to generate a revenue of $13,454.6 million and grow at a stable CAGR of 13.9% during the 2021-2028 forecast timeframe.

What is Percutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation?

Percutaneous aortic valve implantation is the replacement process of the thickened aortic valve that can’t fully open or suffers from aortic valve stenosis. This process is also called percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and affects the cardiovascular system of the body through arteries, veins, and lymph. Since the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the body’s main aorta, aortic valve stenosis might reduce the blood flow from our heart to the body. Performing the percutaneous aortic valve replacements procedure can effectively restore the blood flow and diminish the signs of aortic valve stenosis like fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

What Types of Valves Are Used in PAVI?

Currently, only two types of valves namely the CoreValve Revalving System from Medtronic Inc. and the Edwards SAPIEN System from Edwards Lifesciences Corporation are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the percutaneous aortic valve implantation procedure. Both these valves are recognized and have proved their efficacy in the recent results of the PARTNER and CoreValve US Pivotal trials.

What are the Risks of PAVI?

Although valve replacement surgery is safe, some complications associated with the treatment might occur. Here are a few risks of percutaneous aortic valve implantation:

1. Damage to the blood vessels
2. Blood clots that might cause a stroke, heart attack, or serious lung problems
3. Infection in the new valve in case of aortic valve replacement
4. Breathing issues
5. Pneumonia
6. Bad reaction to anesthetics
7. Valve failure in case of aortic valve replacement
8. Abnormal heart rhythms

Bottom Line

People with aortic valve issues should look for a suitable treatment as soon as possible since valve stenosis reduces the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Percutaneous aortic valve replacement surgeries not only restore the blood flow but also reduces other signs like difficulty in breathing, fainting, chest pain, etc. Although the procedure is very much safe, there might be some possibilities of facing a few risks associated with valve replacement.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.