Case Study: “Successful TAVI procedure for severe aortic stenosis, a patient’s journey”

Kayalvizhi. K

Staff Nurse, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai

Introduction

Calcific aortic stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve due to calcium deposits. This condition can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fainting. In this case study, we will present a 69-year-old male patient who underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe calcific aortic stenosis.

Definition

Calcific aortic stenosis is a type of aortic stenosis caused by the accumulation of calcium deposits on the aortic valve. This condition can lead to aortic valve narrowing, resulting in reduced blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Case Presentation

A 69-year-old male patient presented with complaints of difficulty breathing and exertion. He had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

 Symptoms and signs

The patient presented with the following signs and symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing: The patient experienced shortness of breath on exertion.
  • Chest pain: The patient experienced chest pain on exertion.
  • Orthopnea: The patient experienced difficulty breathing while lying flat.

Diagnostic Evaluation

.The patient underwent the following diagnostic tests:

ECG :  Extreme Rt Axis deviation, QS in V1,2 &3, and poor R wave progression in V5,6&7

Echocardiography: Revealed severe calcific aortic stenosis with an aortic valve area of 0.6 cm2.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed during the TAVI procedure.

Coronary angiography: Revealed single-vessel disease of the proximal RCA with 80% stenosis.

TAVI Report

Management

The patient underwent successful TAVI with the Evolut ProPlus-29mm (Medtronic) valve on 19.09.25. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia, and the patient was monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) post-procedure.

Nursing Diagnosis

The patient was diagnosed with the following nursing diagnoses:

  • Breathlessness, chest pain and giddiness: Related to severe calcific aortic stenosis.
  • Activity intolerance: Related to difficulty breathing and exertion.
  • Anxiety: Related to the TAVI procedure.

Nursing Interventions

The patient received the following nursing interventions:

Oxygen therapy: Administered oxygen therapy to improve gas exchange.

Pain management: Administered pain medication to manage chest pain.

Anxiety reduction: Provided emotional support and education to reduce anxiety.

Activity promotion: Encouraged gradual increase in activity to improve tolerance.

Patient Feedback

The patient reported improved breathing and reduced chest pain post-procedure. He expressed satisfaction with the care provided and appreciated the emotional support received from the nursing staff.

Outcome

The patient was discharged on 23.09.25 with stable hemodynamics and improved symptoms. He was advised to follow up with the cardiologist for further management.

Patient Appreciation and Feedback

The patient expressed gratitude for the care provided and appreciated the professionalism and compassion shown by the healthcare team.

Evaluation

The patient’s outcome was evaluated based on the following criteria:

Improved symptoms: The patient reported improved breathing and reduced chest pain.

Stable hemodynamics: The patient’s hemodynamics were stable at discharge.

Patient satisfaction: The patient expressed satisfaction with the care provided.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the successful management of a 69-year-old male patient with severe calcific aortic stenosis using TAVI. The patient received comprehensive care from the healthcare team, including nursing interventions to manage impaired gas exchange, activity intolerance, and anxiety. The patient’s outcome was evaluated based on improved symptoms, stable hemodynamics, and patient satisfaction.

Kauvery Hospital