About This Procedure
What is TAVR?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where the surgeon repairs the aortic valve without removing the old, damaged valve. Instead, using a catheter inserted in the femoral artery (in the groin), a collapsible replacement valve is put in the aortic valve’s place. Once in place, the new valve is expanded. It pushes the old valve out of the way and the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow from the heart.
Your physician might recommend TAVR if you have aortic valve stenosis — the “leaflets” of your aortic valve have become hardened. When that happens, the normal flow of blood from your heart can be reduced significantly, which then makes your heart work harder. If not treated, the condition can lead to death. Aortic valve stenosis can be congenital (occurring from birth), or it can develop over time as calcium or scarring damages the aortic valve.
Who Is a Candidate?
Patients we typically evaluate for TAVR.
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Severe aortic stenosis
Calcified or hardened aortic valve leaflets restricting blood flow.
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High surgical risk
Advanced age, frailty, or other major medical conditions making open surgery risky.
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Failed bioprosthetic valve
A degenerated tissue valve from previous surgery (valve-in-valve TAVR).
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Asymptomatic severe AS
Evaluated in trials like EARLY TAVR for patients without overt symptoms.