A diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis can leave you and your family with several questions. You may want to understand whether the condition needs treatment, which procedure is appropriate and whether a minimally invasive option is possible.
One option your cardiologist may discuss is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), also called TAVI. If you are searching for a TAVR expert in Hyderabad, it helps to understand how doctors assess suitability rather than assuming that the procedure is appropriate for everyone.
You can read about Dr. Raghu’s approach to TAVR, an expert in Hyderabad, through the cardiac procedures and treatment information available on his website.
What patients should know about TAVR?
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed and does not open properly. This restricts the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
You may experience breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting. Some patients have no obvious symptoms during the early stages.
TAVR involves placing a replacement valve through a catheter, commonly using an artery in the groin. It is different from surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), which involves an operation to replace the valve.
Both approaches have specific indications, benefits, and limitations. Your medical team needs to assess your individual circumstances before recommending either option.
Also read: Best Cardiologist for TAVI-TAVR in Hyderabad
How doctors assess TAVR suitability
1. Severity of aortic stenosis
The first step is confirming the severity of the valve narrowing.
An echocardiogram is usually central to this assessment. It helps doctors examine:
- How narrow the valve opening is.
- The pressure difference across the valve.
- How well the heart pumps blood.
- Whether other heart valves are affected.
Your symptoms and examination findings are considered alongside the imaging results.
2. CT scan and valve anatomy
A CT scan helps doctors understand the physical structure of the aortic valve and surrounding blood vessels.
The assessment may include:
- The size and shape of the valve opening.
- Calcium deposits around the valve.
- The dimensions of the aortic root.
- The position of the coronary artery openings.
- Whether the arteries can safely accommodate the delivery system.
These details help determine whether TAVR is technically suitable and which procedural approach may be appropriate.
3. Overall health and medical history
Your doctor also reviews conditions that may affect procedural planning.
These can include diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, previous heart surgery, frailty and other cardiovascular conditions.
Your general physical condition and expected quality of life are relevant considerations. A procedure should offer a meaningful clinical benefit in relation to its risks.
4. Comparing TAVR with surgical replacement
TAVR is not automatically preferable to surgery. The decision depends on several clinical and anatomical factors.
A heart team may consider:
- Your age and expected lifespan.
- Surgical risk and other medical conditions.
- Valve anatomy and access through blood vessels.
- Previous cardiac procedures.
- The advantages and limitations of each approach.
- Your preferences after understanding the available options.
The 2025 ESC/EACTS valvular heart disease guideline emphasises individual assessment and multidisciplinary decision-making.
Questions to ask your specialist
Choosing a clinician for TAVR in India should involve understanding the specialist’s relevant training, procedural experience, and access to appropriate cardiac facilities.
The credentials relevant to the TAVR expert in Hyderabad are worth reviewing alongside the experience of the wider heart team.
Before making a decision, ask:
- Is my aortic stenosis severe enough to require intervention?
- What do my echocardiogram and CT results show?
- Am I suitable for TAVR, surgery or another approach?
- What risks apply to my medical condition?
- What follow-up will I need after treatment?
Practical planning a TAVR expert in Hyderabad consultation should include arranging your previous reports, medication list and details of earlier procedures.
Follow-up and next steps
Care coordination for TAVR expert in Hyderabad includes understanding who will review your investigations, discuss treatment choices and monitor your recovery.
Important questions families ask about TAVR expert in Hyderabad often concern recovery, medication and future monitoring. Follow-up practical planning after TAVR expert in Hyderabad should therefore be discussed before the procedure, not left until discharge.
Dr. C. Raghu offers interventional cardiology consultations at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. You can explore Dr. Raghu’s heart care website to learn more about his practice.
For an appointment, request a cardiology consultation in Hyderabad and discuss your reports with the clinical team.
Get in touch today
- Email: raghu@drraghu.com
- Phone: +91 95424 75650
