There are currently no validated methods that can reliably predict patients at risk of heart block following their TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation – a highly effective and minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery for patients with Aortic stenosis. Dr Rao’s research project is aiming to find a way to predict this by studying 205 TAVI patients. All patients will have a loop recorder implanted which allows for accurate continuous remote monitoring of heart rhythms for up to two years following their procedure. This will give the team a detailed insight into predictors, risk factors, timing and even the implications of heart block following TAVI.
When completed this will be the most comprehensive study of its kind worldwide. It should also allow the team to assess the viability for same-day discharge in the local population which would be an Australian first.
This exciting and innovative project will streamline TAVI, improve its effectiveness, improve hospital system congestion and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes.