How treatment decision is made?
The heart team approach
Heart valve centers in general have cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology specialists on site. These experts work together including other clinical professionals in a so called “Heart Team” to identify and present the best treatment option to you.
Decision making for intervention should be made by a ‘Heart Team’ with a particular expertise in VHD*, comprising cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anesthetists and, if needed, general practitioners, geriatricians and heart failure, electrophysiology or intensive care specialists.
ESC/EACTS VHD Guidelines1 *VHD = Valvular heart disease
How the heart team will identify your treatment journey?
Your heart team will conduct tests to help determine the best treatment option for you. These tests will tell your doctor:
- The shape and size of your heart
- The structure of your artery system
- If you have other medical problems
Common tests performed may include:
- Cardiac catheterisation
- CT scan
- Echocardiogram (sometimes with medication)
- Carotid ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Physical exam
- Exercise and Frailty testing
The heart team
The heart team will discuss and work together with you on the next steps for your treatment journey.
What are the Treatment options?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
TAVI is less invasive than open heart surgery. Your doctor will make a small incision on your body. After, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery to guide the artificial heart valve up to your heart to replace the diseased valve.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
Valve repair or replacement surgeries have been performed safely and effectively for many years.
Advances in surgical techniques and new products have led to the development of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Minimally invasive valve surgery involves a smaller incision than the one the surgeon makes in traditional surgical approach.
Medication / Balloon Valvuloplasty (BAV)
Certain medications may ease some of your symptoms. A procedure called Balloon Valvuloplasty (BAV) may also be done. BAV is not surgery.
This is where a tiny balloon is inflated in the aortic valve to try and improve blood flow, but this treatment typically provides only temporary relief.
This may help the valve function better, but is only a temporary fix. Without valve replacement you could feel worse over time.
References
1
Baumgartner, H., et al. (2017). 2017 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. European Heart Journal, Volume 38, Issue 36, 21 September 2017, Pages 2739–2791, https://doi.org/10.1093/ eurheartj/ehx391
DISCLAIMER
The content of this document is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.
Nothing herein should be construed as a promotion or solicitation for an indication for any product which is not authorized by the laws and regulations of your country of residence. Responses to a treatment may vary from patient to patient.
Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health.