Use of Zero-contrast TAVI Procedure Gives a New Lease of Life to an Eighty year-Old Male Patient with Severe Aortic Stenosis

Dr. Abhishek Rajpopat, a distinguished interventional cardiologist well-known for his expertise in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures, has registered a major medical breakthrough in the treatment of Aortic Stenosis, the condition that occurs when the aortic valve narrows and blood cannot flow normally. Dr. Rajpopat achieved the milestone by performing the critical procedure with zero contrast, on an 80-year-old male patient with severe aortic stenosis and troubled with chronic kidney disorder.

Left to Right  Dr. Abhishek Rajpopat presenting the case of patient Mr. Kiran

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is known for its complex nature, particularly in elderly patients. These cases become notably intricate when such patients simultaneously present with kidney disease.

 

In this case, the patient’s elevated creatinine levels indicated impaired kidney function. The patient was experiencing breathlessness, chest pains, giddiness, swollen legs, general tiredness, and various other challenges due to severe aortic stenosis. Conventional TAVI procedures carried the potential risk of aggravating kidney-related complications due to the use of contrast media.

 

Given the patient’s high-risk profile due to the aortic stenosis and CKD, Dr. Rajpopat opted for a zero-contrast TAVI. This technique was chosen to minimise the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and protect the patient’s compromised kidneys during the aortic valve replacement procedure.

 

These complications demand an exceptional level of skill to execute the procedure without access to the critical element, which is unavailable as an option during the pivotal stages. Dr. Rajpopat’s extensive training in Copenhagen, Denmark, a hub of expertise in this field, has equipped him to perform an impressive array of 500 procedures independently.

 

Dr. Rajpopat said, “In this patient, administering contrast media during the TAVI procedure could have posed severe threats to the already compromised kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. To mitigate this risk, I opted for a contrast media-free approach. I am happy that the surgery was performed successfully with minimum risk.”

The patient’s recovery has been remarkable, marked by improvements in overall well-being and the alleviation of initial symptoms. Post-operative rehabilitation is currently underway to ensure the patient’s sustained progress.

TAVI, also referred to as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is a cutting-edge and minimally invasive surgical technique devised to treat aortic valve stenosis, primarily in patients categorised as high-risk candidates for conventional open-heart surgery.

 

During this procedure, an artificial valve is introduced without removing the diseased valve. This new valve is implanted within the aorta, where it expands and pushes aside the damaged valve components, thus regulating blood flow. Hydra, transcatheter aortic valve from SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies) was used in the procedure.