TannerHeartCare

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, is a procedure that can implant a new aortic valve without the need for traditional open-heart surgery. If you have severe aortic stenosis — a narrowing of the valve that allows blood to flow from your heart to the rest of your body — your heart has to work much harder than it should. Over time, this can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, heart failure and even death.

With TAVR, your care team can implant a new valve using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is usually placed through a small opening in the artery in your leg and guided up to your heart. Once in place, the new valve is carefully expanded inside the old valve. It immediately begins working to help your heart pump blood more efficiently.

Why is TAVR done?

You might be considered for TAVR if your aortic valve is severely narrowed and you are experiencing symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Extreme fatigue or reduced ability to do daily activities

TAVR may be recommended as an alternative to replacing the aortic valve by open-heart surgery. TAVR can be used if you are older, have other serious health problems or have a body that may not recover well from a large operation. In recent years, TAVR has also been used successfully in people who are at intermediate or even low surgical risk, depending on their health and heart anatomy.

The main goals of TAVR are to relieve your symptoms, improve your quality of life and help you return to doing the things you enjoy with fewer limitations.

While TAVR is less invasive than surgery, it is still a heart procedure and has some risks. Your heart team will explain your personal risk factors and how they will work to lower those risks. They will also answer your questions, so you’ll feel confident about your decision.

TAVR Team at Tanner Heart Care

The TAVR team at Tanner Heart Care is made up of (l-r), Joseph Massey, NP, structural heart coordinator, Hakob Davtyan, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon, Shazib Khawaja, MD, interventional cardiologist, Isida Byku, MD, structural heart proctor, Emory Healthcare, Chris Arant, MD, interventional cardiologist and Omar Lattouf, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon.

What you can expect

Before the procedure

You will have several tests — including an echocardiogram, CT scans and possibly a heart catheterization— to confirm how severe your valve problem is and plan the procedure. These tests also help your care team choose the safest way to reach your heart. You will meet with the heart team, which includes specialists like interventional cardiologists and surgeons, to discuss your symptoms, test results and preferences.

During the procedure

TAVR usually takes two to three hours. You will receive either general anesthesia, which puts you fully to sleep, or conscious sedation, which relaxes you and keeps you comfortable. Your doctor will make a small incision, most often in your leg, and guide the catheter to your heart using live imaging. The new valve is positioned inside your old valve and expanded. Your old valve leaflets are pushed aside, and the new valve begins working immediately.

After the procedure

You may be able to get out of bed and walk within hours after the procedure or by the next morning. Most patients stay in the hospital one to three days. Before you go home, your care team will check the new valve, review your medicines and explain how to care for your incision. You will have follow-up visits to make sure your new valve is working well. You may also be referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program, which can help you safely regain strength and stamina.

Results you can expect

For many people, symptoms improve quickly — sometimes within days. You may notice that you can breathe more easily, have more energy and do more without feeling tired or dizzy. These changes can make everyday activities, like walking, gardening or playing with grandchildren, easier and more enjoyable.

Studies have shown that TAVR offers results as good as or better than surgical valve replacement in many patients, especially when performed in the right candidates. Your doctor will talk with you about how long your new valve may last and whether you might need another procedure in the future.

Need relief?

If you have symptoms of aortic stenosis or have been told you need a valve replacement, talk with your cardiologist to see if TAVR is right for you. Early evaluation can help you explore your options and protect your heart health.

For a referral to a cardiologist, call 770-214-2273 or find one using our Find a Provider tool.

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