During TAVR

Taking back your future from severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, also known as heart valve failure, is possible without open heart surgery.

With the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure, you don’t have to have your chest opened. Most patients go home the next day and recover quicker with TAVR as compared to open-heart surgery.

Home
Most patients go home the next day and recover quicker with TAVR as compared to open-heart surgery.

On the day of your procedure

Your TAVR Doctor will perform the TAVR procedure at a TAVR Hospital. You may be fully asleep during your procedure or you may be awake but given medication to help you relax and block pain. Your TAVR Doctor will determine what type of  anesthesia is best for you.

Your heart will continue to beat during the TAVR procedure. This is quite different than open heart surgery, in which you are placed on a  heart and lung blood machine .

How is TAVR performed?

TAVR can be done multiple ways, but the most common approach involves a small incision in the groin. This is called the transfemoral approach . Your TAVR Doctor will determine the best place to make an incision based on your individual anatomy.

If you have questions about your TAVR procedure approach, ask your doctor.

TAVR procedure step-by-step

TAVR Procedure Step 1 of 4

A small incision is made in your groin. This is where your TAVR Doctor will insert a short, hollow tube called a sheath into your  femoral artery .

TAVR Procedure Step 2 of 4

The new valve is then placed on the  delivery system (or tube) with a balloon on the end. The new valve is compressed on the balloon to make it small enough to fit through the sheath.

TAVR Procedure Step 3 of 4

The delivery system carrying the valve is pushed up to your aortic valve. Once it reaches your diseased valve, the balloon is inflated, expanding the new valve into place. The new valve pushes aside the leaflets of your diseased valve. Your existing valve holds the new valve in place. Once your new valve is in place, the balloon is deflated and removed.

TAVR Procedure Step 4 of 4

The new valve will open and close as a normal aortic valve should. Your TAVR Doctor will make sure your new valve is working properly before closing the incision in your groin.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Video

TAVR procedure video

Watch this video to see how the less invasive TAVR procedure is performed.

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How long does the TAVR procedure take?

The average TAVR procedure is about 1 hour compared to open heart surgery, which lasts about 4 hours.

Getting back to the life you love after TAVR

The less invasive TAVR procedure can mean a faster return to your second act. Talk to your doctor about how long your recovery may take and find out what you can expect during the recovery process.

There is a possibility of risks and complications with the TAVR procedure. The most serious TAVR complications include death, stroke, serious damage to the arteries, and serious bleeding.

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Ready to take charge of your health and future?

Ask your doctor for a TAVR evaluation today or find a TAVR Hospital near you.

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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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