TAVR Procedure in Puerto Vallarta: new technique available at CMQ Hospitals
A successful cardiac surgery in an 88-year-old patient at CMQ Riviera Nayarit
The first TAVR procedure in Puerto Vallarta was performed at CMQ Hospital Riviera Nayarit. Read on and learn more about this major breakthrough in Interventional Cardiovascular Surgery in the region.
An unprecedented medical achievement. The first successful TAVR procedure in Puerto Vallarta in an 88-year-old patient. Our patient suffered from aortic stenosis, also known as the narrowing of the aortic valve. In particular, due to his advanced age and delicate state of health, he was considered a high-risk patient for conventional heart surgery. The patient was extensively evaluated by our medical team at CMQ Riviera Nayarit. It was then determined that a TAVR procedure was the most suitable option for him.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis, or the narrowing of the aortic valve, is a condition that obstructs blood flow. In addition, it generates symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. This condition significantly affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
The hemodynamics room or cath lab of CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital was the scenario of this salient medical achievement. Certainly, this accomplishment was made possible thanks to our outstanding team of multidisciplinary specialists, which was led by Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe and Dr. Joel Sánchez. Both of our doctors and renowned specialists in Interventional Cardiology.
TAVR, a promising procedure for high-risk patients
A TAVR, also known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), is an advanced heart surgery technique. Usually, this surgery starts with an incision in the patient’s groin and/or chest. Subsequently, the new aortic valve is guided to the location of the damaged aortic valve. Once in place, the new valve is secured in its proper position, improving heart function and allowing blood to flow properly. Fortunately, this procedure makes it possible to replace a narrowed or calcified aortic valve without the need of open heart surgery. Moreover, with this less invasive method, our experts insert a new aortic valve through a catheter, which reduces the risk and recovery time.
It should be noted that a TAVR is a revolutionary technique designed to replace the aortic valve without the need of open-heart surgery. Specifically, this technique is most relevant in high-risk patients who are not suitable for conventional surgery due to their health conditions. Needless to say, the durability of a TAVR valve is an important aspect. Fortunately, a new TAVR aortic valve can have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on individual patient factors.
“I am grateful to have been able to perform the first TVR procedure in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Congratulations to the team of doctors and staff who made this success possible!”
— Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe
An insight into the TAVR Procedure in Puerto Vallarta; the steps of a TAVR surgery
The steps of a TAVR surgery involve careful planning and a thorough pre-assessment of the patient. The surgery begins with an incision in the patient’s groin and/or chest. Subsequently, a catheter containing the new aortic valve is inserted through the incision site. Once inside, the catheter containing the new TAVR valve is guided to the proper site within the heart. The valve is then deployed and precisely secured. Finally, adequate blood flow is back to normal. But, most importantly, heart function improves.
In addition, a TAVR procedure provides positive results in terms of patients survival rates and improvement of cardiac function. Due to these factors, this modern technique has significantly improved the quality of life of patients around the world. Moreover, a TAVR is a less invasive procedure which involves fewer risks and complications compared to open-heart surgery. In this case, our 88-year-old patient who underwent TAVR surgery had an amazing recovery. Only 48 hours after surgery, he was able to return to his home with a better quality of life and restored hope.
Which valve do we use in these procedures?
Our team of TAVR surgery experts in CMQ Hospitals uses the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Valve for the TAVR procedure in Puerto Vallarta. This is the only valve approved for valve-in-valve procedures in both the aortic and mitral positions. Learn more about this equipment by clicking here.
Meet our team of TAVR procedure experts at CMQ Riviera Nayarit
Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe – Interventional Cardiology Specialist
Dr. Óscar Millán Iturbe, MD. is a specialist in Interventional Cardiology. He graduated from medical school from Anahuac University. After completing his specialty in Clinical Cardiology, he obtained a sub-specialty in Interventional Cardiology from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Dr. Joel Sánchez – Interventional Cardiology
Dr. Joel Sanchez, MD, is a specialist in Cardiology with a sub-specialty in Interventional Cardiology. He is certified by the Mexican Board of Cardiology. Dr. Sanchez has performed numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures such as heart catheterizations, pacemaker placement, and heart valve replacement (TAVI, TAVR), among others.
CMQ Hospitals, committed to excellence in medical care
The success of this procedure adds to the increasing reputation of our hospitals as leading centers for cardiology procedures. Our team of specialists and the cutting-edge technology available in our facilities, provide the best option for patients seeking the best medical care in Puerto Vallarta.
Choosing Puerto Vallarta and CMQ Hospitals to undergo a TAVR surgery offers multiple advantages. Puerto Vallarta has an outstanding medical infrastructure and is a world-class tourist destination. These two factors give our patients and their families the possibility of combining state-of-the-art medical care with a relaxing vacation in a paradise-like location. Schedule your appointment with our specialists at 329 298 0717!
Frequently Asked Questions about TAVR Procedure in Puerto Vallarta
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement, also known as a TAVR, is a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon places a new aortic valve in the heart, through a catheter. It is a highly safe and effective method for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not candidates for open heart surgery.
The specific criteria for TAVR eligibility may vary. However, the general guidelines for qualifying for a TAVR procedure typically include:
- People with Severe Aortic Stenosis that suffer from shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or fainting episodes.
- Patients who are at high or intermediate risk for traditional open-heart surgery. In particular, elderly patients or those with significant comorbidities, which make open-heart surgery risky.
- Evaluation by our specialists. Our team has to evaluate the patient to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
A TAVR surgery is relatively quick. A typical TAVR procedure has an average duration of around 3 hours. Fortunately, this minimizes the patient’s exposure time to anesthesia and provides the benefit of a less invasive procedure.
One of the main advantages of a new TAVR valve is its durability. A new TAVR aortic valve can last from 10 to 15 years, providing a long-term solution for elderly and high-risk patients.
