Hi, though I've replied to a few queries since joining the community, having had 20 years of various heart proceedures, I am now within a few weeks of an aortic valve replacement. The only option open to me is to have it by keyhole surgery, where the surgeon enters between the ribs and then goes up through the ventricular heart wall to insert the valve, which must be pig tissue. Keyhole sounds great and apparently I should be out of hospital in a few days and recover in about 3 weeks, but I am wondering what I'll be able to do easily, with difficulty or indeed not do post op and whether one can really adopt a 'normal' life so quickly. As I live in a rural environment I'm concerned about when I will be able to drive again. If anyone would like to share their experiences of this proceedure, good or bad, I'd be very grateful and would help me plan for when I return home and, hopefully, ease my pre op nerves.
Anyone had a trans apical tavi? - British Heart Fou...
Anyone had a trans apical tavi?
Hello and welcome to the forum!
I must admit slight confusion as TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. In this procedure the new valve is inserted via the artery in the groin. Either a local or general anesthetic is used. The keyhole surgery you described is always performed under a general anesthetic.
Any type of heart valve requires you not to drive for one month and then only when your GP/cardiologist has said you are fit to do so. Different rules apply for HGVs/PSVs.
I am unfamiliar with keyhole surgery having had a quadruple bypass but know it will be a much quicker recovery. Doubtless the physios will advise you. Good luck.
Sincere apologies TAVI also stands for Transapical Aortic Valve Implantation. In reality the terms should be TCAVI and TAAVI to avoid confusion. Mick Jagger had TCAVI and was fit to tour within three months so I imagine your timescales might be similar.
Hi Michael JH, thanks for your reply. I too find the terms confusing which is why I described the proceedure. The information on driving is very useful as I am normally the carer for the two other people in my household, neither of whom drive. Luckily we get our food delivered. The Mick Jagger reference made me smile. I'd be more than happy if I could just get up the stairs without palpitations and breathlessness post op. I had a by- pass op 17 years ago and remember well what a long slog it was, but you know that its getting better all the time .
If your forthcoming procedure is keyhole our bypasses were definitely front door procedures! 😁
Agreed!! Will post how things work out. Good luck with your rehab. Onwards and upwards.
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