Duration 2-4 hours
Hospital Stay 2-5 days
Recovery 4-6 weeks
Shower After 48 hours
Success rate 90-95%
Length of Stay in Turkey 2-3 weeks

About Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Turkey

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Turkey is a technique devised to substitute a malfunctioning aortic valve with a synthetic one. Alternatively, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) entails open-heart surgery for the same purpose.

The aortic valve governs the passage of blood from the heart to the body. When it stiffens, a condition known as aortic stenosis ensues. Consequently, the heart may strain to propel blood through the narrowed valve opening, potentially escalating heart failure.

This method offers numerous advantages. It entails reduced pain, blood loss, and infection risks. Moreover, the recovery period is typically quicker compared to traditional open-chest surgery. TAVR serves as a substitute for open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery, frequently resulting in shorter hospital stays for patients undergoing the procedure.

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TAVR in Turkey

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Turkey also known as TAVI or transcatheter aortic valve implantation) is a new technology for use in treating aortic stenosis. Generally, a bioprosthetic valve is inserted percutaneously using a catheter and implanted in the orifice of the native aortic valve.

The aortic valve, among the quartet of valves orchestrating blood circulation within the heart, serves the function of opening to allow blood passage and subsequently closing to maintain the unidirectional flow. Yet, in cases of aortic stenosis, this valve becomes constricted, compelling the heart to exert more effort in propelling blood throughout the body.

If severe aortic stenosis prompts symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness, TAVR might be advised. Similarly, if a biological tissue aortic valve underperforms or if other health issues raise risks for open-heart surgery, TAVR could be considered.

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Alternative Methods and Approaches to TAVR in Turkey

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a procedure that addresses aortic stenosis without necessitating open heart surgery, has significantly impacted many lives since its approval. However, the traditional femoral artery approach may not be suitable for all patients.

In some cases, patients with aortic stenosis and coronary disease may experience narrowing of the femoral and iliac arteries, making it challenging to navigate the catheter required for transcatheter valve delivery through their leg arteries.

To address this issue and ensure accessibility to TAVR for all patients requiring surgery, alternative approaches to accessing the aortic valve have been developed.

Transapical TAVR (TA) in Turkey

The first alternative method to TAVR in Turkey approved, transapical TAVR, involves making a small incision of 3 to 5 inches in the left chest area near the nipple. Through this incision, the surgeon gains direct access to the aortic valve via the left ventricle.

Transvenous (TCv) Approach in Turkey

Utilizing the femoral vein, the transvenous (TCv) method is an innovative surgical solution aimed at minimizing artery disease. Surgeons create a pathway using a wire and electrical cautery from the inferior vena cava to the abdominal aorta to facilitate TAVR. Once the valve is installed, a small plug is used to close the pathway.

Transaortic (TAo) Approach in Turkey

This approach involves making a small incision near the sternum to access the aortic valve. In some cases, it may necessitate resecting the sternum or rib to reach the heart.

Transcarotid Approach (TC) I Turkey

For individuals ineligible for transfemoral access, the transcarotid method has emerged as a newer technique. This approach involves accessing the aortic valve through the carotid artery in the neck.

Trans-subclavian Approach in Turkey

Another alternative to TAVR in Turkey is the trans-subclavian approach, which utilizes the axillary subclavian artery. A small incision near the collarbone exposes the subclavian artery, which is then used to guide the catheter past the narrowed aortic valve and into the aorta.

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How Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement  Performed in Turkey?

In transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a physician substitutes a defective aortic valve with one crafted from cow or pig heart tissue, known as a biological tissue valve. Occasionally, doctors implant a biological tissue valve into a non-functioning existing valve. TAVR employs small incisions and a flexible, hollow tube named a catheter to access the heart, differing from open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacement, which necessitates a lengthy incision along the chest.

To perform TAVR, a physician inserts a catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or chest region, and navigates it to the heart's aortic valve location using X-ray or other imaging techniques as a roadmap. The physician then advances a biologic tissue valve through the catheter and positions it at the site of the aortic valve. A balloon at the catheter's tip expands to secure the new valve in place, although some replacement valves expand independently without a balloon.

Once the new valve is firmly positioned, the physician withdraws the catheter. Throughout the TAVR procedure, your healthcare team vigilantly monitors you, regularly assessing your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and respiratory status.

After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Turkey

Following a TAVR surgery in Turkey, you'll likely spend one to two days in the hospital. Depending on your condition, you may need to continue taking specific medications, such as blood thinners, to prevent clot formation after the aortic valve replacement.

For the first one to two weeks post-procedure, it's advisable to avoid strenuous activities. Fortunately, TAVR in Turkey recovery tends to be swifter compared to recuperation from traditional open-heart surgery. Many individuals find themselves able to return to their normal daily routines within just a few days.

The duration of full recovery after TAVR in Turkey varies based on several factors, including your overall health. Adhering to your doctor's post-procedure instructions, including medication adherence, is crucial.

Your healthcare team may also suggest participating in cardiac rehabilitation following TAVR surgery in Turkey. This program can facilitate your recovery process while enhancing the strength of your heart.

How to Maintain Long-term Results of TAVR in Turkey?

To assess the efficacy over time, follow-up evaluations are pivotal. Therefore, after undergoing TAVR, it's crucial to undergo follow-up echocardiography before discharge (or within 30 days post-procedure), at 6, 12, and subsequently annually for monitoring.

Symptoms and markers of aortic valve stenosis may be alleviated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), potentially improving quality of life.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential during recovery and can help prevent further cardiac issues. To achieve this:

  • Refrain from smoking.
  • Adopt a nutritious diet low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Engage in regular exercise; consult your doctor before starting any new fitness regimen.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
What is the Difference Between Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) and TAVR?

In contrast to surgical aortic valve replacement, which entails a lengthy incision through the chest (open-heart surgery), TAVR is conducted using smaller incisions and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to access the heart. Moreover, based on a recent comparison utilizing real-world data from nationwide databases, both procedures demonstrate comparable one-year survival rates and stroke rates in intermediate and high-risk patients, although TAVR patients are more likely to be discharged home post-procedure compared to SAVR patients, rendering it more cost-effective.

As per medical literature, tissue valves utilized in surgical aortic valve replacement typically exhibit a lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years. Since TAVR valves are crafted from the same biological tissue, a similar lifespan is anticipated.

2024 Cost of TAVR in Turkey

All types of medical attentions like TAVR are very affordable in Turkey. Many factors are also included in determining the cost of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Turkey. Your process with Healthy Türkiye will last from the time you decide to have a TAVR in Turkey until the time you are fully recovered even if you are back home. The exact transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure cost in Turkey depends on the type of operation involved.

The cost of TAVR in Turkey does not demonstrate many variations in 2024. Compared to costs in developed countries like the United States or the UK, TAVR costs in Turkey are relatively low. So, it's no wonder patients from across the world visit Turkey for TAVR procedures. However, the price is not the only factor affecting choices. We suggest looking for hospitals that are safe and have transcatheter aortic valve replacement reviews on Google. When people decide to seek medical help for TAVR, they will not only have had low-cost procedures in Turkey, but also the safest and best treatment.

At clinics or hospitals contracted with Healthy Türkiye, patients will receive the best transcatheter aortic valve replacement from specialist doctors in Turkey at affordable rates. Healthy Türkiye teams provide medical attention TAVR procedures and high-quality treatment to patients at a minimum cost. When you contact Healthy Türkiye assistants, you can get free information about the cost of TAVR in Turkey and what this cost covers.

Price of TAVR in the UK?

The cost of a TAVR in the UK is between £50.000-£65.000.

Price of TAVR in the USA?

The cost of a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the USA is between $50.000-$80.000.

Price of TAVR in Turkey?

The cost of a TAVR in Turkey is between $30.000-$45.000.

The prices may vary based on specific procedure requirements. Contact us for exact price information.

Why Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Cheaper in Turkey?

One of the main considerations before traveling abroad for TAVR is the cost-effectiveness of the whole process. Many patients think that when they add flight tickets and hotel expenses to their TAVR costs, it will become very expensive to travel, which is not true. Contrary to popular belief, round-trip flight tickets to Turkey for TAVR can be booked very affordably. 

In this case, assuming you are staying in Turkey for your TAVR, your total travel expense of flight tickets and accommodation will only cost less than any other developed country, which is nothing compared to the amount that you are saving.

The question “why transcatheter aortic valve replacement cheaper in Turkey?” is so common between patients or people simply curious about getting their medical treatment in Turkey. When it comes to TAVR prices in Turkey, there are 3 factors allowing cheaper prices:

The currency exchange is favorable for whoever looking for TAVR has a euro, dollar, or pound;

The lower cost of living and cheaper overall medical expenses such as TAVR; 

For TAVR, incentives are given by the Turkish Government to medical clinics working with international clients; 

All these factors allow for cheaper TAVR prices, but let’s be clear, these prices are cheaper for people with strong currencies (as we said, euro, dollar, Canadian dollar, pound, etc).

Every year, thousands of patients from all over the world come to Turkey to get TAVR. The success of the healthcare system has increased in recent years, especially for TAVR. It’s easy to find well-educated and English-speaking medical professionals in Turkey for all kinds of medical treatment such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Why Choose Turkey for TAVR?

Turkey is a common choice among international patients seeking advanced TAVR. Turkey’s health procedures are safe and effective operations with a high success rate like TAVR. The increasing demand for high-quality TAVR at affordable prices has made Turkey a popular medical travel destination. In Turkey, transcatheter aortic valve replacement is performed by highly experienced and trained doctors with the most advanced technology in the world. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is done in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and other major cities. The reasons for choosing TAVR in Turkey are as follows:

High-quality hospitals: Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals have dedicated TAVR units that are specially designed for patients. International and national strict protocols provide effective and successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients in Turkey.

Qualified experts: The expert teams include nurses and specialist doctors, together to carry out transcatheter aortic valve replacement according to the patient's needs. All the included doctors are highly experienced in performing TAVR.

Affordable price: The cost of TAVR in Turkey is affordable compared to Europe, the USA, the UK, Singapore, Australia, etc.

The high success rate: Highly experienced specialists, the best available technology, and stringently followed safety guidelines for post-operative care of the patient, resulting in a high success rate for TAVR in Turkey.

Is TAVR Safe in Turkey?

Did you know Turkey is one of the most visited destinations for TAVR in the world? It is ranked one of the most visited tourist destinations for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Over the years it has also come to be a very popular medical tourism destination too with many tourists coming in for TAVR. There are so many reasons why Turkey stands out as a leading destination for TAVR. Because Turkey is both safe and easy to travel to too with a regional airport hub and flight connections to pretty much everywhere, it is preferred for TAVR.

The best hospitals in Turkey have experienced medical staff and specialists who have performed thousands of medical services such as TAVR. All procedures and coordination related to TAVR are controlled by the Ministry of Health in accordance with the law. Over many years, the greatest progress in medicine has been observed in the field of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Turkey is known among foreign patients for its great opportunities in the area of TAVR.

To emphasize, besides the price itself, the key factor in selecting a destination for TAVR is certainly the standard of medical services, the hospital staff’s high expertise, hospitality, and the safety of the country.

All-Inclusive Package for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Turkey

Healthy Türkiye offers all-inclusive packages for TAVR in Turkey at much lower prices. Extremely professional and experienced doctors and technicians carry out the high-quality TAVR. The cost of TAVR in European countries can be quite expensive, especially in the UK. Healthy Türkiye provides cheap all-inclusive packages for a long and short stay of TAVR in Turkey. Because of many factors, we can provide you with many opportunities for your transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Turkey.

The price of TAVR differs from other countries due to medical fees, staff labor prices, exchange rates, and market competition. You can save much more in TAVR compared to other countries in Turkey. When you purchase transcatheter aortic valve replacement all-inclusive package with Healthy Türkiye our healthcare team will present of hotels for you to choose from. In TAVR travel, you will have the price of your stay included in the all-inclusive package cost.

In Turkey, when you purchase transcatheter aortic valve replacement all-inclusive packages through Healthy Türkiye, you will always receive VIP transfers. These are provided by Healthy Türkiye, which is contracted with highly qualified hospitals for TAVR in Turkey. Healthy Türkiye teams will organize everything about transcatheter aortic valve replacement for you and have you picked up from the airport and safely brought to your accommodation. Once settled in the hotel, you will be transferred to and from the clinic or hospital for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. After your TAVR has been successfully completed, the transfer team will return you to the airport in time for your flight home. In Turkey, all packages of transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be arranged upon request, which relaxes the minds of our patients.

The Best Hospitals in Turkey for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The best hospitals in Turkey for transcatheter aortic valve replacement are Memorial Hospital, Acıbadem International Hospital, and Medicalpark Hospital. These hospitals attract patients from all over the world seeking transcatheter aortic valve replacement due to their affordable prices and high success rates.

transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Frequently Asked Questions

TAVR is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heart conditions such as aortic valve stenosis. During TAVR, an artificial valve is inserted into the heart through a catheter, typically avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.

TAVR is recommended for patients with aortic valve stenosis to alleviate symptoms or treat the condition. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting.

TAVR is typically performed by inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or chest area. The catheter is guided to the heart, where a new valve is placed while compressing or pushing aside the old valve.

Like any surgical procedure, TAVR carries certain risks. These may include bleeding, infection, damage to blood vessels or surrounding structures, stroke, heart rhythm disturbances, or allergic reactions to medications or materials used during the procedure.

Recovery time can vary from person to person, but most patients can expect to spend one to two days in the hospital following the TAVR procedure. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which strenuous activities should be avoided.

After TAVR, patients typically require regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and evaluate the function of the implanted valve. Follow-up echocardiograms are often performed at specific intervals to assess the effectiveness of the procedure.

The longevity of TAVR results can vary depending on factors such as the patient's overall health and the type of valve used. Studies suggest that TAVR valves constructed from biological tissue may last between 10 to 20 years, similar to surgical aortic valve replacement valves made from the same material. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential for ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of the TAVR procedure.