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| 17 July 2025

Top 10 Benefits of TAVI for Elderly Heart Patients

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a catheter-based procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve in patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis, especially those over the age of 65. Instead of cutting open the chest, doctors thread a catheter, typically through the femoral artery, and deliver a collapsible replacement valve to the heart. It’s then expanded and positioned within the existing faulty valve, restoring normal blood flow without traditional open-heart surgery.

This nonsurgical aortic valve replacement technique has become a clinical breakthrough, particularly for elderly patients considered high-risk for invasive operations. From quicker recovery to lower complication rates, the following points explain why TAVI is gaining preference across top cardiac centers in India, especially in metro cities like Mumbai.

1. Minimally Invasive With Lower Trauma

Unlike surgical valve replacement, TAVI doesn't require splitting the breastbone or placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. The procedure is done using a thin, flexible catheter via a small puncture site,most often in the groin or, in some cases, the chest or neck.

Key Advantages:

• Avoids full general anesthesia in most patients.
• Causes less internal bleeding and reduces cthe hances of wound infections.
• Suitable for elderly individuals with comorbidities like COPD, CKD, or diabetes.

2. Drastically Reduced Recovery Time

Post-TAVI patients often walk the same day or within 24 hours. Discharge usually happens within 2–3 days, as opposed to the 7–14 days required after traditional surgery.

Key Insights:

• Older patients return to independent living quicker.
• Reduces reliance on ICU and long-term rehabilitation.
• Cuts down additional post-op expenses significantly.

In India, this translates to a cost saving of INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000 in post-surgical hospital stays and physiotherapy sessions.

3. Safer for High-Risk Patients with Co-existing Conditions

Traditional valve surgery may not be viable for patients aged above 75 or those with severe comorbidities. TAVI offers a safe, effective option, significantly reducing perioperative mortality.

High-risk scenarios where TAVI works better:

• Patients with history of previous cardiac surgery.
• Frail patients with low mobility or osteoporosis.
• Individuals with renal failure or pulmonary hypertension.

4. Improved Survival Rates and Long-Term Outcomes

Clinical data from India and abroad show that TAVI patients enjoy a higher survival rate in the first year after the procedure compared to those who delay or are unable to undergo surgery.

Statistical Overview:

• One-year survival rate exceeds 85% for patients over 75.
• Symptom-free status at one year observed in 72% of Indian patients.
• Readmission rates drop by up to 40%.

5. Significant Symptom Relief and Enhanced Quality of Life

Symptoms like angina, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and fatigue are often dramatically reduced or disappear entirely post-TAVI. Most patients report feeling “10 years younger” within weeks.

Post-TAVI Lifestyle Improvements:

• Patients regain the ability to climb stairs, shop, or travel independently.
• Improved sleep quality and fewer emergency visits.
• Enhanced mood and social interaction, reducing depression risks.

6. Reduced Risk of Stroke and Brain Injury

Open-heart surgery comes with higher risks of stroke due to manipulation of heart tissues. TAVI, by contrast, uses real-time imaging and precision tools, reducing the risk of embolism and brain injury.

India-specific Advantage:

• Stroke rate in TAVI patients at major cardiac centres like Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, is consistently under 3%.
• Use of cerebral embolic protection systems has further lowered risks.

7. Minimal Blood Loss and Reduced Need for Transfusions

Aortic valve surgeries typically involve significant blood loss. In contrast, TAVI causes little bleeding, decreasing the likelihood of needing blood transfusions or facing haemodynamic instability.

Clinical Takeaways:

• Transfusion rates for TAVI stay below 10%.
• Less exposure to infection from donor blood.
• Fewer post-operative complications for anaemic patients.

8. Better Heart Function Post Procedure

TAVI restores normal blood flow through the aortic valve, improving left ventricular function. The heart no longer overworks, and the risk of developing congestive heart failure drops sharply.

Cardiac Improvements Noted:

• EF (ejection fraction) values improve significantly within 3–6 months.
• LV hypertrophy begins reversing.
• Lower chance of atrial fibrillation or rhythm disturbances.

9. High Precision With Personalised Imaging

Advanced CT angiography and 3D imaging allow cardiologists to plan TAVI procedures with millimeter-level accuracy. Valve sizing and deployment are tailored to the individual’s anatomy.

Advantages of Personalized Planning:

• Better procedural outcomes.
• Low rates of valve leakage or misplacement.
• Improved alignment with coronary artery flow.

10. Long-Lasting Valves With Durable Performance

Today’s TAVI valves,like the Edwards SAPIEN or Medtronic CoreValvecan last 10 to 15 years, offering a good long-term solution for many elderly patients.

Financial Perspective:

• While the upfront TAVI procedure cost in India ranges between INR 16 and 25 lakhs, it can reduce long-term healthcare expenses associated with repeated hospitalisations and poor quality of life.
• Many Indian private insurers and government schemes are beginning to cover TAVI under cardiac care packages.

Where to Get TAVI in Mumbai?

Jaslok Hospital is among the top TAVI hospitals in India, performing TAVI with outcomes comparable to top global institutions. With advanced imaging, skilled interventional cardiologists, and a patient-first approach, Jaslok provides customised treatment protocols for each case.

TAVI Package Inclusions at Jaslok:

• Pre-operative imaging and diagnostic tests
• Valve implant and consumables
• ICU and post-op care
• Follow-up and rehabilitation

For Indian seniors battling aortic stenosis, TAVI is more than a procedure, it's a lifeline. With fewer complications, quicker discharge, and long-term freedom from debilitating symptoms, this non-surgical valve replacement procedure offers both quality and longevity. For those aged 65 and above, especially with underlying conditions, TAVI provides a safe, proven, and future-ready alternative to open-heart surgery.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of TAVI in Mumbai?

The cost typically ranges between INR 1,600,000 and INR 25,00,000, depending on the hospital, valve type, and patient condition.

2. Is TAVI covered under health insurance in India?

Yes, several private insurers and some government schemes now provide partial or full coverage for TAVI under cardiac care.

3. How long does a TAVI valve last?

Current-generation TAVI valves have shown durability of 10–15 years, making them ideal for patients above 65.