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What is TAVR Surgery?

tavr meaning, what is tavr surgery, transcatheter aortic valve implantation

What is the TAVR Procedure?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure offered to patients who have severe and symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Stenosis is caused when the leaflets of the valve become calcified and stiff creating a narrowed opening and reducing the amount of blood that goes to the body. 

This TAVR procedure is an alternative to open-heart surgery and is now available to low-risk patients.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis:

  • Abnormal heart murmur or sounds
  • Shortness of breath, especially after physical activity or when lying down
  • Chest pain
  • Tiredness/Fatigue
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting or dizziness

When referred, Saint Alphonsus will order the appropriate testing to decide if the TAVR procedure is the best option for you. Because Aortic Stenosis is a progressive disease, it is best to be evaluated when symptoms start.

For most people, TAVR is performed through a large artery in the leg. The delivery system is advanced through the groin with the valve compressed over a balloon and positioned into the old, native valve. 

The valve is then deployed by inflating the balloon and uses the calcium to secure it into place. The balloon is deflated and the equipment is removed. In most cases, the patients are discharged home the following day.

TAVR Procedure Recovery

Over time, patients generally feel better and symptoms are reduced, improving quality of life.