What is Catheter-Based Heart Valve Replacement?

Catheter-based heart valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a damaged heart valve with a new one without the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through a major blood vessel and guiding it to the heart. (1)

The procedure generally follows these steps:

  • The catheter is inserted through a major blood vessel, usually in the groin, or sometimes via the chest artery or directly through the aorta.
  • Using imaging techniques, the catheter is guided to the location of the damaged valve.
  • Once in position, the new valve is deployed.
  • After ensuring the valve is functioning properly, the catheter is removed.

Which Valves Can Be Replaced Using a Catheter?

  • Aortic valve: The most commonly replaced valve via catheter, primarily used to treat aortic stenosis.
  • Other valves (mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid): Can also be treated using a catheter, but this is less common.

Who is Suitable for This Procedure?

This procedure is suitable for patients with severe valve stenosis or insufficiency who cannot undergo major open-heart surgery, such as:

  • Elderly patients
  • Patients with chronic conditions like lung or kidney diseases (1)

How is the Procedure Performed?

Before the Procedure

The patient undergoes preparation, including additional medical tests, and is informed about the procedure and the type of anesthesia that will be used. (2)

During the Procedure

  • Usually, local anesthesia with mild sedation is used, though general anesthesia may be applied depending on the patient’s condition.
  • The doctor inserts the catheter through a major artery and replaces the damaged valve.
  • A temporary pacemaker may be used to regulate heart rhythm while the new valve is positioned.

The new valve is made from biological tissue (commonly from cows). After deployment, the doctor confirms proper valve function and removes the catheter, closing the entry site. (3)

After the Procedure

  • Patients may spend one night in the ICU for close monitoring. The total hospital stay varies; some patients are discharged the next day.
  • Commonly prescribed medications include:
  • Blood thinners to prevent clots
  • Antibiotics to prevent infection

Patients are advised to care for the insertion site and watch for signs of infection, such as fever or redness. (2)

Although less invasive than open-heart surgery, this procedure remains delicate and requires highly skilled specialists and advanced medical equipment. Therefore, it should be performed at a trusted cardiac center, such as the Heart Care Center at Al Ahli Hospital in Qatar, which is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team of cardiac surgeons, consultants, and trained medical personnel.




References

1- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

2- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) - Mayo Clinic

3- Aortic valve replacement - Alternatives - NHS