Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Specialist

What is transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats severe aortic stenosis. Unlike traditional aortic valve replacement surgery, your cardiologist replaces your damaged valve with a new valve while your heart is beating.

Your heart has four valves that control blood flow through each of the four chambers in your heart. When the left ventricle (primary pumping chamber in your heart) contracts, your aortic valve opens, and blood flows from your aortic artery into the chamber. The valve closes when your ventricle relaxes to prevent the blood from flowing back.

A damaged or diseased aortic valve affects the normal flow of blood through your heart and the rest of your body. Your malfunctioning aortic valve then forces your heart to work harder, which affects long-term heart health.

TAVR is a surgical procedure that restores aortic valve function to improve heart health. 

Who needs transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

The cardiologists at Levine Heart & Wellness perform TAVR for patients with aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a common and serious heart valve disease that occurs when the aortic valve thickens and no longer fully opens, limiting blood flow to your heart and the rest of your body. 

Treatment for aortic stenosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, your provider may only monitor you and your heart or prescribe medication to improve blood flow. 

However, if your aortic stenosis symptoms are severe, then the cardiologists at Levine Heart & Wellness may suggest TAVR. They also perform the minimally invasive procedure on patients who aren’t good candidates for the traditional open-heart procedure because they risk complications. 

What happens during trans catheter aortic valve replacement?

Though minimally invasive, TAVR is a serious procedure performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Your cardiologist accesses your heart and aortic valve through a blood vessel in your leg or a small incision in your chest during the surgery.

Your provider inserts a catheter with your new heart valve through the access point and advances it until it reaches your damaged valve. Then, they inflate a balloon at the tip of the catheter, position and secure your new valve, remove the catheter, and suture the incisions.

You may spend the night in an intensive care unit and up to five days in the hospital following your TAVR. 

Your cardiologist at Levine Heart & Wellness schedules follow-up appointments after your TAVR to monitor your healing and symptoms.

To learn more about trans catheter aortic valve replacement and if it’s a surgical option for your aortic stenosis, call Levine Heart & Wellness or book an appointment online today.