Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

The aortic valve connects the aorta to the left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body. In people with aortic stenosis, calcium builds up on the valve, causing it to tighten or not open properly. This can lead to symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Feeling lightheaded
• Shortness of breath

The best way to treat this is by replacing the damaged valve. TAVR is a lifesaving procedure that uses small incisions to deliver a new valve. People with aortic valve disease may also benefit from TAVR to restore healthy heart function.

During your initial consultation, you'll meet with a team of experts, including a cardiac surgeon, interventional cardiologist and nurse practitioner, who will make sure you're healthy enough for the procedure.  

We'll also keep your primary care doctor and cardiologist involved every step of the way.

TAVR is a way to fix a stiff or damaged aortic valve caused by aortic stenosis. Normally, the aortic valve works like a door, letting blood flow smoothly in one direction. When it’s damaged, the heart can’t pump blood as easily.

Doctors often fix this problem with open-heart surgery, but not everyone can have such a big operation. TAVR is a less invasive option that helps your heart pump blood better and allows you to recover faster.

Who can have TAVR?

TAVR is typically suggested for people over 30 who fall into one of these categories:

• Those at very high risk for open-heart surgery.
• Those at high risk for open-heart surgery.
• Those at moderate or intermediate risk for open-heart surgery.

TAVR can restore normal blood flow to help people in these groups get their hearts and lives back on track faster and with fewer problems.

Approaches to TAVR

There are several approaches to TAVR, and selecting the most suitable one depends on factors like anatomy and overall health. Here are the main approaches used for transcatheter aortic valve replacement:

• Transfemoral approach: This is the most common way to do TAVR. The doctor makes a small cut in your groin to reach the femoral artery. Using an X-ray or ultrasound for guidance, they move a thin tube called a catheter through the artery and place the new valve in your heart. About 80% of people can have this approach because it’s simple and works well.  
• Transaortic approach: We make a small cut under the collarbone to reach an artery and place the valve in the aorta.
• Transapical approach: We make a small cut in the chest to place the valve directly in the aorta.

What to expect during the TAVR procedure

We perform TAVR in a hybrid operating room, combining surgical techniques and advanced imaging technology.

1. Preparing: The procedure takes about 2 hours. You’ll be under general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep comfortably the entire time.
2. Accessing the heart: Your doctor will make a small cut to access a blood vessel, depending on your TAVR approach. Using imaging for guidance, they’ll thread a catheter to your heart.
3. Placing the prosthetic valve: The prosthetic valve is guided to your heart through the catheter, where it expands, replacing your diseased valve and restoring normal blood flow.
4. Removing the catheter: Your doctor will confirm the valve is working properly before removing the catheter and closing the incision.
5. Recovery: You’ll wake up in the post-anesthesia care unit and stay in the hospital for about 2 days. Once home, rest and relax. Most people feel back to normal within 2-3 weeks.