Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

What is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

A TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a minimally invasive heart treatment in which your cardiologist replaces a thickened or narrowed aortic valve between your heart’s aorta and its left ventricle. The procedure restores blood flow and reduces or eliminates worrisome symptoms.

Why would I need a TAVR?

A TAVR might be for you if you have aortic valve stenosis, reduced blood flow because of it, or bothersome symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat. You might need TAVR if you’re not a good candidate for open-heart valve replacement surgery or because of complications after open-heart surgery.

A TAVR is less invasive than open surgery with a shorter hospital stay. A Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to determine if the treatment is right for you. You might need imaging procedures, heart-function tests, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests.

How should I prepare for a TAVR?

Following your surgeon’s instructions is necessary before undergoing the TAVR procedure. They might ask you to stop taking specific medicines, avoid eating and drinking the morning of the procedure, and make arrangements to be driven home by a family member or friend.

Avoid wearing contact lenses, glasses, jewelry, or dentures the day of the procedure, but wear comfortable clothes.

What happens when undergoing a TAVR?

Before a TAVR, you receive intravenous (IV) medicine to relax you and an anesthetic to eliminate pain. Your heart specialist replaces the damaged aortic valve with a new one made of biological tissue. Or they place the new valve into an existing valve that isn’t working.

To complete the procedure, your cardiologist makes a tiny incision and inserts a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel to gain access to your heart. They use X-rays or an echocardiogram to guide the catheter’s placement, insert the new valve, remove the catheter, and close the incisions.

What should I expect after a TAVR?

After undergoing a TAVR, you might spend a night in the surgery center while your cardiologist monitors you. Follow your instruction:

• Take care of your incision
• Get plenty of rest
• Take medicine as directed
• Attend your follow-up visits to ensure the new valve works properly

A TAVR results in fewer symptoms after surgery and a lower risk of complications than a traditional valve replacement surgery.

Don’t smoke, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and maintain an ideal weight to prevent further problems.

Call Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates today or use the online scheduler to learn more about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and learn if it’s right for you.