A revolutionary non-surgical heart procedure is transforming cardiac care, particularly for patients with severe underlying conditions. The transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure is proving to be a breakthrough alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, offering new hope to individuals with aortic valve disease.
For years, patients suffering from aortic stenosis a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow were treated through invasive open-heart surgery. This procedure required surgeons to replace the damaged valve with an artificial one. While effective, open-heart surgery came with significant risks, especially for elderly patients or those with multiple health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or previous heart attacks. Some patients were even considered too high-risk to undergo surgery, leaving them with limited treatment options.
The introduction of TAVI now provides a safer, minimally invasive alternative. Instead of opening the chest, doctors insert a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin, guiding a new valve to the heart. Using advanced imaging, the valve is positioned precisely within the diseased aortic valve and expanded, restoring normal blood flow.
One of the biggest advantages of TAVI is its minimally invasive nature, which significantly reduces recovery time. “This technique is a game-changer for patients at high surgical risk,” says Dr. Mohamed Jeilan of The Aga Khan Hospital. “It allows for a quicker recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.”
Dr. VijaySinh Patil, an interventional cardiologist at The Nairobi West Hospital, emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the procedure. “The entire process takes only about an hour, and in most cases, the patient remains awake throughout,” he explains. “This makes it a much safer option for those who cannot withstand the stress of open-heart surgery.”
The minimally invasive approach also reduces hospital stays. Most patients who undergo TAVI are discharged within a few days, as opposed to weeks of recovery required after open-heart surgery.
For patients like Godfrey Mbithi from Nyeri, the procedure has been life-changing. Mbithi, who had been experiencing severe fatigue and breathing difficulties, underwent TAVI at The Nairobi West Hospital. “At first, I was nervous, but after learning that it was a non-invasive procedure that would take less than an hour, I agreed to go ahead with it,” he shared. “Now, I feel much better and can go about my daily activities with ease.”
TAVI has become a crucial option for individuals who might otherwise face worsening health conditions due to untreated valve disease. As the procedure becomes more widely available, it is expected to benefit more patients in Kenya and other developing nations where access to advanced cardiac care remains limited.
Heart disease, once more common in developed countries, is now a leading health concern in developing nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cardiovascular diseases account for 17.3 million deaths annually, with a growing share occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
“In 2020, WHO warned that 60 percent of the global heart disease burden now lies in developing nations,” says Dr. Patil. “Governments have historically focused on infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, often neglecting non-communicable diseases like heart disease. But now, the rising number of heart-related illnesses is forcing health authorities to take action.”
In Kenya, precise statistics on heart disease remain scarce, but in South Africa, someone experiences a heart attack or chest pain every seven minutes equivalent to more than 74,000 cases annually. Experts believe similar trends are emerging in Kenya and other African nations.
Since its approval in the U.S. in 2013, TAVI has been hailed as one of the most significant advancements in cardiology over the past two decades. Continuous improvements in technology have expanded its use, allowing even patients with intermediate and low surgical risks to benefit from the procedure.
With more hospitals in Kenya and other African countries now adopting TAVI, the future looks promising for heart patients who previously had limited treatment options. As awareness of the procedure grows and accessibility improves, more lives can be saved through this groundbreaking approach to heart valve disease treatment.
