For many families in Tirupati and the surrounding districts, serious heart problems have always come with an added burden—traveling to faraway metro cities for advanced treatment. Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad often became unavoidable destinations, bringing emotional stress, logistical challenges, and significant financial strain at a time when families needed reassurance the most.
Today, that narrative is changing.
With the successful performance of an early Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure in Tirupati, a new chapter has begun in local cardiac care. Advanced, minimally invasive heart valve treatment is no longer limited to distant tertiary centers. It is now accessible, safe, and expertly delivered right here at Aster Narayanadri Hospital.
Understanding Aortic Valve Disease
The aortic valve plays a critical role in directing blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, especially in elderly patients, this valve can become narrowed and stiff, a condition known as aortic stenosis.
Common symptoms include:
- Breathlessness on mild exertion
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting episodes
- Fatigue and reduced activity levels
If left untreated, severe aortic stenosis can significantly reduce life expectancy and quality of life.
Traditionally, treatment involved open-heart surgery. While effective, surgery may not be suitable for elderly patients or those with multiple medical conditions.
This is where TAVI becomes life-changing.
What Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without opening the chest.
Instead of major surgery:
- The new valve is delivered through a thin catheter, usually via a blood vessel in the leg
- The diseased valve is pushed aside
- The new valve immediately takes over normal blood flow
Patients typically experience:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Lower procedural risk compared to open surgery
For high-risk and elderly patients, TAVI has transformed outcomes and quality of life.
A Landmark TAVI Case in Tirupati
The milestone case involved an 80-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities, making conventional surgery extremely high risk. After detailed evaluation and careful planning, the heart team decided on a transcatheter approach.
The procedure was successfully performed using a balloon-expandable Myval™ transcatheter heart valve, known for its precision, safety profile, and excellent long-term performance.
Despite advanced age and challenging anatomy, the outcome was excellent—highlighting that complex structural heart procedures can be safely performed in Tirupati when backed by expertise, planning, and the right infrastructure.
Why This Milestone Matters for Tirupati
This successful TAVI procedure is more than a clinical achievement—it is a promise to the local community.
- Patients no longer need to travel long distances for advanced valve replacement
- Families can stay close, reducing emotional and financial stress
- Emergency and follow-up care are easily accessible
- World-class technology is now available locally
Tirupati is steadily emerging as a center capable of delivering advanced cardiac care comparable to major metropolitan hospitals.
The Importance of the Heart Team Approach
TAVI is not a one-person procedure. Its success depends on a multidisciplinary heart team, including:
- Interventional cardiologists
- Cardiac anesthetists
- Imaging specialists
- Cath-lab technologists
- Skilled nursing teams
- Supportive hospital administration
Seamless coordination, timely availability of advanced hardware, and meticulous preparation were key factors behind this successful case at Aster Narayanadri Hospital.
Leadership in Advanced Cardiac Care
This landmark procedure was led by Dr. Abhishek Kasha, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Heart Failure Specialist at Aster Narayanadri Hospital, Tirupati.
With extensive experience in structural heart interventions, complex coronary procedures, and heart failure management, Dr. Kasha has trained at leading institutions and brings metro-level expertise to local patients. His commitment is simple yet powerful—bringing advanced cardiac therapies closer to home.
What This Means for Patients and Families
For patients in Tirupati, Renugunta, Chittoor, and nearby regions, this milestone delivers confidence:
- Advanced heart valve replacement is now available locally
- High-risk and elderly patients have safer treatment options
- Care is delivered in familiar surroundings
- Follow-ups and long-term care are easily managed
Most importantly, patients can focus on recovery rather than relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is TAVI used for?
TAVI is used to treat severe aortic valve stenosis, especially in elderly or high-risk patients who are not ideal candidates for open-heart surgery.
2. Is TAVI safe for elderly patients?
Yes. TAVI is specifically designed for patients where surgical risk is high. It has proven to be safe and effective even in patients above 80 years of age.
3. How long does recovery take after TAVI?
Most patients recover quickly. Many are able to sit up and walk within a day and are discharged within a few days, depending on overall health.
4. Is open-heart surgery required for TAVI?
No. TAVI is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure and does not involve opening the chest.
5. Are advanced heart valve procedures available in Tirupati now?
Yes. With the successful TAVI case at Aster Narayanadri Hospital, advanced structural heart procedures are now available locally.
6. Who should be evaluated for TAVI?
Patients with severe aortic stenosis, especially elderly individuals or those with multiple medical conditions, should undergo a detailed heart team evaluation to determine suitability.
7. What valve was used in this procedure?
A balloon-expandable Myval™ transcatheter heart valve was used, known for precision and excellent procedural outcomes.
A Strong Step Forward for Heart Care in Tirupati
This successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) marks a defining moment for Tirupati’s healthcare ecosystem. It reinforces a powerful message—patients deserve the best care, close to home.
With skilled specialists, modern infrastructure, and a committed heart team, Tirupati is no longer just a spiritual destination—it is fast becoming a trusted destination for advanced cardiac care.
Caring for life. Every step of the way.
Dr. Abhishek Kasha
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Heart Failure Specialist
Aster Narayanadri Hospital
Dr. Abhishek Kasha is a highly trained and experienced Interventional Cardiologist and Structural Heart Specialist, known for bringing advanced, metro-level cardiac care to Tirupati and nearby regions. His clinical focus includes complex coronary interventions, structural heart procedures such as TAVI/TAVR, and comprehensive heart failure management.