What is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

A TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aortic valve.

The aortic valve helps regulate blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. If it becomes narrowed, it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

TAVR may be an option for people who are at high risk for open-heart surgery.

 
 

Dr. Tracey Roth explains TAVR treatment for aortic stenosis and how it can improve your quality of life.

 
 

Why is it done?

TAVR is done to relieve symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and improve quality of life.

Your doctor may recommend TAVR if you have aortic valve stenosis and:

  • Are at high risk for open-heart surgery

  • Have moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis

  • Have had a heart attack in the past year

  • Have had previous heart surgery

How to prepare for a TAVR?

Your doctor will do a complete medical history and physical exam. You may also have:

  • Echocardiogram

  • Cardiac catheterization

  • CT scan or MRI

  • Chest x-ray

  • Blood tests

You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

  • Are pregnant

  • Have had a recent heart attack

  • Have had a recent stroke

  • Have bleeding problems

  • Have kidney problems

  • Have any allergies, especially to anesthesia

What can you expect?

TAVR is usually done using general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.

A small incision will be made in your leg or chest. A catheter (thin tube) will be inserted through the incision and threaded to your heart. The new valve will be placed inside your old valve. It will open and close just like a healthy valve. Once the new valve is in place, the catheter will be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

You will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored before being transferred to a hospital room. The entire procedure takes about 2-4 hours.

TAVR is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, and it is usually done as an outpatient procedure.

After the treatment

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be closely monitored. You can expect to stay in the hospital for the night. You will likely have some chest pain and a cough from the incision in your chest. These symptoms should improve within a few days. It is important to take it easy for at least a week after the procedure. You should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds during this time.

You will need to follow up with your doctor regularly to make sure your new valve is working properly. You may need to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Most people who have TAVR feel much better and have an improved quality of life after the procedure.

We know that heart valve disease can be frightening, so we make sure to take the time to listen to your concerns and answer all of your questions. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from aortic valve stenosis request an appointment click below or call (239) 300–0586