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What is the process for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAV)?
My 71 year old mum has been diagnosed with a heart valve condition called Aortic Stenosis two years back. The condition is already in a severe stage. She was asymptomatic until two months back when she suffered from a medical emergency known as Acute Pulmonary Oedema. The cardiologist has suggested my mum to have the defective valve replaced. One option is for her to undergo a open heart valve surgery - which carries a higher risk due to her age. The other minimally invasive option is for her to undergo Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) - this is of lower risk than open heart surgery. But risk factors associated with this procedure - such as excessive bleeding, abnormal heart rhythm, stroke and even death are a small possibility. My mum is afraid of the risks, so she's not keen to proceed with TAVI. But her condition is also life-threatening. My family is unable to make an informed decision on this. Hence I'd like to seek a 2nd opinion from a heart specialist.
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Dr. Jeanel G
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Hi @fair
For a decision with regards to proceed with surgery, a face-to-face consult would be advisable. Often, aortic stenosis is a valvular problem and so dynamic studies such as echo would have been conducted before deciding for surgery. Hence it’s not as easily communicated just via texts as the Doctors need to evaluate the images and other parameter as well.
If your mother is under subsidised care, you can get a referral letter to see cardiology in another subsidised hospital. Or simply, when going for your mum’s review, you can mention to the doctor that you are keen for a second opinion- it may well be within the same hospital just another cardiologist to seek his opinion.
For a decision with regards to proceed with surgery, a face-to-face consult would be advisable. Often, aortic stenosis is a valvular problem and so dynamic studies such as echo would have been conducted before deciding for surgery. Hence it’s not as easily communicated just via texts as the Doctors need to evaluate the images and other parameter as well.
If your mother is under subsidised care, you can get a referral letter to see cardiology in another subsidised hospital. Or simply, when going for your mum’s review, you can mention to the doctor that you are keen for a second opinion- it may well be within the same hospital just another cardiologist to seek his opinion.
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I’m sorry your family is going through a tough time.
All procedures carry some form of risks, some may be common while some are rare. We always weigh the benefits versus the risks in deciding if the procedure is worth going ahead with.
However, If you feel unsure about making a decision on which procedure to opt for, there is no wrong in seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist.
My advise is: To bring the relevant records including past clinical investigations/reports and bring your mum for a consult with another cardiologist so that you can consider your options better.
Take care >>
Do we have a cardiologist in this panel? I’m not too sure which cardiologist to consult. My mum is a subsidised patient currently. Consulting a cardiologist on a private basis could prove costly. I’m looking to see if I can receive any specific medical advice from a doctor here with regards to my mum’s heart condition. I’m willing to provide more medical details if needed. Please advise. Thanks.