Why Transcatheter Pulmonic Valve (TPV) Therapy Might Be An Option For You
A transcatheter procedure is less invasive than open heart surgery for pulmonary valve replacement.
People with one or more congenital heart defects typically face the burden of multiple open-heart surgeries over the course of their life, often times beginning at birth. At some point, some CHD patients may need their right ventricular outflow tract or RVOT replaced with a bio-prosthetic valved conduit or their pulmonary valve replaced with a surgical bio-prosthetic valve.
Over time, a patient’s conduit or surgical valve may become narrowed or may begin to leak blood backwards. When this happens, it usually means it is time for a new pulmonary valve. As surgical risk increases with each open-heart surgery, minimally invasive options can help patients recover and return to normal activities sooner. Transcatheter pulmonic valve therapy, also known as TPV therapy, is a less invasive procedure for replacing the pulmonary valve in either a dysfunctional conduit or failing surgical tissue valve.
What to expect during the transcatheter procedure
The information on this site is meant to help you and your loved ones understand what may happen during the transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement procedure. Keep in mind that your procedure may be different. Your doctor will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies or current medications.
Your transcatheter pulmonic valve procedure will take place at the hospital. For this procedure, your doctor may place you under general anesthesia. Your doctor will make a small pencil size opening in the leg to access your vein. Your doctor will insert a short, hollow tube called a sheath.
Your doctor will prepare your new Edwards SAPIEN 3 pulmonary valve onto a tube-like delivery system called a catheter. At the tip of the catheter, the valve is placed around a deflated balloon and squeezed or compressed, so it is small enough to fit in your vein.
Your doctor will insert the delivery system with the valve and guide it up to your heart. Once the valve is in the intended location, your doctor will inflate the balloon implanting the valve into its final location.
After your new pulmonic valve is in place, your doctor will check that your valve is working correctly. Your doctor will deflate the balloon, remove the delivery system, and close your incision.
Your new Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter valve should perform like a healthy native pulmonary valve.
The major risks associated with the transcatheter pulmonic valve procedure, although rare include heart damage potentially requiring surgery, bleeding, blood vessel complications, irregular heartbeat and death.
Find a doctor who specializes in transcatheter pulmonic valve (TPV) therapy.
See if you are a good candidate for a transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement and learn more about the potential benefits of this procedure.