Take Control of Your Options. Get Evaluated for TAVR
Receiving news that you’ve been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and may need your aortic valve replaced can be scary. You may wonder if you will be able to participate in your favorite activities, eat the same foods, or approach life in the same way.
Although these feelings can be overwhelming, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. These symptoms of aortic stenosis may mean your condition is getting worse and you need to seek treatment right away.
The good news is, open heart surgery is not the only way to replace an aortic heart valve. There is a less invasive option called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR for short. This procedure used to only be available for people who were too weak to undergo open heart surgery. But now, any severe aortic stenosis patients who are experiencing symptoms can be considered for TAVR. Only a TAVR Team can tell you if it is right for you.
The TAVR procedure may also be an option for people at high risk for surgery who had their aortic valve replaced in the past, but need a new one because the replacement valve may no longer work.
All Patients Should Ask for a TAVR Evaluation
The idea of a heart valve replacement can be scary. Luckily, the less invasive TAVR procedure is an option for more patients than ever before.
Unlike open heart surgery, in which an incision is made across the full length of your chest to remove the unhealthy valve, TAVR uses a catheter to implant a new valve within your diseased valve. TAVR can be performed in multiple ways but the most common is through an incision in the leg.
TAVR is proven to have lower instances of death, stroke and rehospitalization compared to open heart surgery.1
Other TAVR benefits may include:
Improved quality of life following the procedure, including the ability to return to normal daily activities
Shorter hospital stay
Relief of symptoms
Less pain and anxiety
Minimal scarring
Why TAVR was a Great Choice for David
David's life changed when he developed symptoms from severe aortic stenosis. Hear why TAVR was the best option to help him get his life back.
How to Get a TAVR Evaluation
TAVR is available for even more patients than ever before. TAVR is no longer just for patients who are too sick for open heart surgery. Any severe aortic stenosis patients who are experiencing symptoms can be considered for TAVR. Even if you were previously told that TAVR wasn’t an option for you, consult with a TAVR Team to find out if you are now eligible.
Your TAVR Doctor will run several tests to determine the best treatment plan for you and to evaluate if you are a TAVR candidate. Some of these tests include:
- An angiogram to examine how blood is flowing through your heart’s arteries
- An echocardiogram to take pictures of your heart
- Other diagnostic tests which can be explored in our FAQs section
In some cases, you may have already taken some of these tests. However, it may be important that the tests be taken again at the request of your TAVR Doctor.
Although it may feel like a lot of appointments, it’s important because your TAVR Doctor wants to make sure they are recommending the best treatment option for you.
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Mack MJ, Leon MB, Thoura.nl VH, et al. Tra.nscatheter aortic -valve replacement with a balloon-expandable valve in low-rrsk patients. N Engl J Med. 2019:380(18):1695-1705.