A 71-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding successfully underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. She was discharged within 48 hours.
The patient had previously experienced gastrointestinal bleeding due to esophagitis and required multiple blood transfusions. Therefore, doctors carefully balanced the need to treat her narrowed aortic valve with the risk of further bleeding.
Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement
Following detailed evaluation and multidisciplinary planning, the cardiac team chose TAVI, a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a replacement valve through a catheter and positions it within the diseased valve.
As per the press release issued by KIMS Hospitals, Thane, the procedure was performed by Dr. B. C. Kalmath, Director & Head, Department of Cardiac Sciences.
Dr. Kalmath said, “Treating severe aortic stenosis in a patient with a significant history of gastrointestinal bleeding requires careful planning.” He added that TAVI allowed the team to treat the valve while closely monitoring the patient for complications.
Smooth Recovery
After the procedure, the patient remained stable in the ICU, with no reported haematoma or bleeding complications. She recovered well and returned home 48 hours later.
Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, TAVI generally does not require opening the chest or using a heart-lung bypass machine. The case highlights the importance of individualized treatment planning for patients with severe aortic stenosis and other medical conditions.
Doctors also advise patients not to dismiss symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness or chest discomfort as normal signs of ageing, as early cardiac evaluation can help identify valve disease and guide timely treatment.