25 September, 2025

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Chennai – Advanced Heart Valve Therapy by Dr. A.B. Gopalamurugan

For decades, patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis faced only one treatment option – open-heart valve replacement surgery. While effective, the procedure involved cutting open the chest, putting the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine, and a long recovery period. For elderly patients or those with multiple medical conditions, open-heart surgery often carried very high risks or was not even possible.

But now, with the advancement of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), also known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), patients in Chennai and across India have access to a minimally invasive, life-saving solution.

At the forefront of this transformation is Dr. A.B. Gopalamurugan, a senior interventional cardiologist and one of India’s pioneers in transcatheter valve therapies. With years of international training and experience in London and India, he has made Chennai a leading destination for advanced heart valve treatments like TAVR.

This blog will guide you through:

What TAVR is and how it works
Who needs TAVR and why it’s safer than open-heart surgery
Benefits of undergoing TAVR in Chennai
Why Dr. Gopalamurugan is the trusted choice for TAVR in Chennai
FAQs about the TAVR procedure, recovery, and cost

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

TAVR (TAVI) is a minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedure. Instead of opening the chest, doctors insert a thin tube (catheter) through a small incision, usually in the groin. This catheter carries a collapsible replacement valve, which is guided to the heart and positioned inside the old diseased aortic valve.

Once in place, the new valve expands, pushing the old valve leaflets aside, and starts working immediately to regulate blood flow.

Unlike traditional surgery, TAVR does not require stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine.

Why is TAVR Needed?

TAVR is mainly performed for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis.

What is Aortic Stenosis?

The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In aortic stenosis, this valve becomes narrowed due to calcium buildup or degeneration. The narrowed valve makes it hard for the heart to pump blood, leading to symptoms such as:

Chest pain or tightness (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or fainting spells
Swelling in ankles and feet
Irregular heartbeat

If left untreated, severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, sudden cardiac death, or stroke.

Who is Eligible for TAVR?

TAVR is ideal for:

Elderly patients (70+ years)
Patients with high or intermediate risk for surgery
Those with other health conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, COPD, prior heart surgeries)
Patients who cannot tolerate open-heart surgery

Benefits of TAVR Over Open-Heart Surgery

For patients in Chennai seeking aortic valve replacement, TAVR offers several benefits compared to traditional surgery:

✅ Minimally Invasive – No large chest incision, only a small cut in the groin or chest
✅ Shorter Hospital Stay – Discharge within 2–4 days instead of weeks
✅ Faster Recovery – Return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
✅ Lower Risk – Reduced complications, bleeding, and infections
✅ Better Quality of Life – Immediate symptom relief and improved heart function
✅ Option for High-Risk Patients – Suitable for those who cannot undergo open-heart surgery

Why Choose Chennai for TAVR?

Chennai has become a leading hub for advanced cardiac care in India. With internationally trained cardiologists, advanced hospital infrastructure, and availability of cutting-edge valve technologies, TAVR in Chennai is now on par with top global centers.

Patients from across India and abroad travel to Chennai for TAVR due to:

World-class heart hospitals with hybrid cath labs
Availability of advanced imaging technologies for precision-guided procedures
Affordable treatment compared to Western countries
Experienced cardiologists like Dr. A.B. Gopalamurugan who specialize in transcatheter therapies

Dr. A.B. Gopalamurugan – A Pioneer in TAVR in Chennai

When it comes to TAVR in Chennai, Dr. A.B. Gopalamurugan is one of the most trusted names in India.

His Credentials:

Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist based in Chennai
Known across India for pioneering transcatheter valve replacement therapy
Founder & Course Director of INDIAVALVES, India’s largest course for transcatheter valve therapies
16 years of medical training & practice in London, UK
Honorary Consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London for paediatric electrophysiology
Specializes in TAVR, TMVR (mitral valve replacement), TTVR (tricuspid valve replacement), and TPVI (pulmonary valve implantation)

Achievements:

Performed India’s first emergency TAVR using Aortic Valve Ultrasound (AVUS) guidance at MGM Healthcare, Chennai
Thousands of successful complex interventional cardiology procedures
Recognized as a leader in structural heart disease therapies

Step-by-Step – How TAVR is Performed

Pre-Procedure Assessment
- Detailed echocardiography, CT scans, and blood tests
- Evaluation by a heart team (cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists)
Procedure
- A small incision is made in the groin or chest
- A catheter is guided to the heart using imaging
- The new valve is positioned inside the diseased valve
- Once expanded, it takes over the function of the old valve
Post-Procedure
- Monitoring in ICU for 24–48 hours
- Discharge usually within 3–4 days
- Return to daily activities in 1–2 weeks

Consultation Locations

📍 Chennai
2nd Floor, 46 & 48, Masilamani Rd, Balaji Nagar, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600014
📞 +91 80560 88898 | +91 89400 88898 | +91 91760 88898

📍 Mumbai
Lady Ratan Tata Medical & Research Centre, Cooperage St, Mumbai

📍 London, UK
W1 Healthcare, 7 Russell Gardens, London W14 8EZ

📧 Email: secretary@gopalamurugan.com
🌍 Website: www.gopalamurugan.com

Why Patients Trust Dr. Gopalamurugan for TAVR in Chennai

Cutting-edge expertise in transcatheter heart therapies
Global experience with 16 years in London hospitals
Leader in training the next generation of cardiologists through INDIAVALVES
Recognized achievements in emergency TAVR and pioneering interventions
Personalized patient care with a multidisciplinary heart team

Common Questions About TAVR in Chennai

Q1. Is TAVR available in Chennai hospitals?
Yes, leading Chennai hospitals offer TAVR with expert cardiologists like Dr. Gopalamurugan.

Q2. How long does the TAVR valve last?
TAVR valves typically last 10–15 years, depending on patient health.

Q3. Is TAVR better than open-heart surgery?
For high-risk or elderly patients, TAVR is safer and has faster recovery. For younger patients, surgery may still be recommended.

Q4. What is the recovery time after TAVR?

Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks for surgery.

Q5. How much does TAVR cost in Chennai?
The cost of TAVR in Chennai varies depending on hospital and patient condition. To get a cost estimate, call +91 80560 88898.

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