Mr. John (name changed for privacy protection), a 76-year-old gentleman, arrived at our clinic experiencing increasing dizziness and shortness of breath, particularly when exerting himself. A comprehensive evaluation, including an echocardiogram, revealed a critical heart condition: a bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic stenosis. This meant that one of his heart’s vital valves had only two leaflets instead of the normal three, and it was severely narrowed, restricting blood flow.

To assess the overall heart health, a coronary angiogram was performed. Fortunately, the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle were found to be clear of blockages.

Given Mr. John’s advanced age and the severity of his aortic stenosis, a traditional open-heart surgery to replace the valve posed significant risks. Therefore, he opted for a less invasive procedure known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVI). Dr. Priya Palimkar performed this innovative technique involves inserting a new valve through a small puncture in the blood vessel, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.

The TAVI procedure was a success. Mr. John recovered remarkably well and was able to return home just four days after the procedure. His symptoms of dizziness and breathlessness have significantly improved, and he is now enjoying a better quality of life.

Mr. John’s case highlights the advancements in cardiac care and the benefits of minimally invasive procedures for elderly patients with complex heart conditions.