Benefits of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation
Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation, or TPVI, is the most advanced treatment available to patients with pulmonary valve disease. TPVI is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure that has a shorter recovery time than open-heart surgery.
But who is eligible for the procedure – and what are the benefits and risks? Dr. Andrew Leventhal, Medical Director of our Kentucky Adult Congenital Heart Program, explains what you should know.
Why TPVI?
For patients with congenital heart disease, TPVI may be offered instead of open-heart surgery. Patients who undergo TPVI generally need fewer surgical procedures and recover more quickly – often going home the day after the procedure.
“TPVI is the preferred treatment when pulmonary valve replacement is needed,” says Dr. Leventhal. “It is safe and effective with drastically reduced recovery time compared to surgery.”
Who is eligible for TPVI?
TPVI can improve and treat the following conditions:
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Previous heart surgery or balloon valvuloplasty for PV disease
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Pulmonary regurgitation
• Pulmonary regurgitation from infective endocarditis
• Aortic valve disease in patients who have had the Ross procedure
• Truncus arteriosus
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle
• Transposition of the Great Arteries who have had the Rastelli procedure
To determine if TPVI is right for you, we may perform a test like a cardiac CT scan, heart MRI, electrocardiogram (EKG), angiogram or echocardiogram. We would also monitor your health and overall heart function to decide if TPVI if the right procedure for you.
Benefits of TPVI
• Smaller incision
• Less invasive procedure with smaller/no scars
• Short recovery time
• Less time in the hospital
After having a TPVI procedure
• After the procedure, you’ll usually stay overnight in the hospital, but your provider will give you specific instructions.
• Most of the time, patients can return to their normal routine after about one week of rest.
• X-rays – there are no complications with X-rays or MRI related to the procedure. You are safe to get X-rays or MRIs in the hospital – or an X-ray at airport security, for example.
• Talk to your dental provider before you have work done after the procedure. Dental work can release bacteria in the blood and cause infection. You may need to take medicine before your dentist appointment.
Who does TPVI procedures?
An interventional cardiologist specializing in adult congenital heart disease.
The Kentucky Adult Congenital Heart (KACH) Program at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is dedicated to treating adults born with heart defects. Our multidisciplinary team includes a board-certified congenital heart disease specialist, specially trained cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, imagers, echocardiographers and electrophysiologists.
We have years of TPVI experience and offer all available TPVI valves.
