What Is TAVR

If you've been diagnosed with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, also known as heart valve failure, put yourself in the driver's seat of your health. Learn about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and ask your doctor for a TAVR evaluation at your next appointment.

TAVR is a less invasive way to replace a diseased aortic valve compared to open heart surgery. It is also called TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation).

Is TAVR surgery?

Unlike surgery, TAVR does not involve opening the chest. The average TAVR procedure is about 1 hour compared to open heart surgery, which lasts about 4 hours. Most patients return home the next day and have a shorter recovery time, getting them back to everyday activities. TAVR should be considered for all heart valve failure patients.

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Like your life, treatment can’t wait. Ask your doctor if TAVR is an option for you.

What happens during TAVR

TAVR is a less invasive procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve. It is done through a small incision, typically in the groin. This is known as the transfemoral approach . A catheter is inserted into your artery through the incision while your heart is still beating. The catheter is then guided up to your heart, and the new TAVR valve is placed inside of your diseased aortic valve.

Other approaches for TAVR may be considered by your TAVR Doctor depending on your individual anatomy. Learn more about what happens during TAVR, step by step.

How does TAVR compare to open heart surgery?

What are the potential benefits of TAVR?

Your life belongs to you, not heart valve failure. Take it back with TAVR. Benefits may include:

  • Improved heart function
  • Relief of symptoms
  • Improved quality of life following the procedure
  • Most patients go home the next day and recover quicker
  • Less pain and anxiety
  • Minimal scarring

The most serious risks of TAVR include death, stroke, serious damage to the arteries, or serious bleeding.


Wondering if you qualify?

Learn about TAVR valves

Interested to learn about the newest TAVR valve that has the same advanced tissue technology as the leading surgical valve?

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Suzanne lives life to the fullest

Patient Stories

Suzanne lives life to the fullest

Suzanne's retirement was the start of her second act, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors more than ever. When diagnosed with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (heart valve failure), she took control and was treated with TAVR. Now she's back to enjoying her outdoor adventures.

Watch Suzanne’s story
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You have a say in your treatment. Ask your doctor for a TAVR evaluation

All patients who have symptoms of heart valve failure should ask their doctor if TAVR is an option. You can also put yourself in the driver’s seat of your health by finding a TAVR Hospital near you, where you will be evaluated for all your treatment options.

Find a TAVR Hospital

Meet more patients like you who took control of their heart valve failure

Free TAVR info kit

Want more information delivered directly to you?

Get a free information kit by email or mail to learn about heart valve failure and the TAVR procedure.

What you’ll receive in your kit:

  • Education on heart valve failure and symptoms checklist
  • Information on TAVR as a treatment option
  • Videos of patients sharing their experiences with TAVR
  • Discussion guide for talking with your doctor
  • List of hospitals in your area that perform TAVR
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References
1. Mack MJ, Leon MB, Thourani VH, et al. Transcatheter aortic-valve replacement with a balloon-expandable valve in low-risk patients. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(18):1695-705.
2. Baron SJ, Magnuson EA, Lu M, et al. Health status after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis. J Am Coll Card. 2019;74:2833-42.
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17570-transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-tavr. Accessed April 28, 2022.
4. Otto CM. Timing of aortic valve surgery. Heart. 2000;84(2):211-8.
5. Leon MB, Mack MJ, Hahn RT, et al. Outcomes 2 years after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients at low surgical risk. J Am Coll Card. 2021;77:1149-61.