TAVR Recovery

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may give patients who experience symptoms from severe aortic stenosis, also known as heart valve failure, a way to get back to their lives. Research has shown health improvements within 30 days of their TAVR procedure.1

How long is recovery time after the TAVR procedure?

TAVR has a shorter procedure time and hospital stay compared to surgery. Most patients return home the next day and have a shorter recovery time, getting them back to everyday activities. Research has shown that most patients who undergo the less invasive TAVR procedure see health improvements within 30 days.1 This means the freedom to do more of what you love and getting back to everyday life.

Your TAVR Doctor can provide more information on what your TAVR recovery time may be like and what to expect after your procedure.

Recovery immediately following TAVR

Generally following a TAVR procedure, you may be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for a little while or moved directly to a recovery room. Your TAVR Doctor will update your caregiver or loved ones on how you are doing.

Talk to your TAVR Doctor about how long visitors may be expected to wait before seeing you as well as when you can expect to transition to home care.

Hospital

What to know before leaving the hospital

Your TAVR Doctor will give you specific instructions to help you with your recovery, which may include a special diet, exercise, and medication. It is important to carefully follow your doctor’s directions.

Here are some questions you may want to ask regarding your after care:

  • How soon can I get back to my day-to-day activities?
  • When can I increase my level of physical activity?
  • Are there activities I should avoid?
  • Can I drive?

Before you or your loved one leaves the hospital, make sure to ask specific questions about eating, sleeping, activity level, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Recovery in the days and weeks after your TAVR procedure

Life after TAVR can be exciting. But there are some important things to keep in mind for your recovery:

  • You will need to take some steps to help your incision site heal.
  • You may have aches and pains, which is a normal part of the healing process. Your TAVR Doctor may prescribe medication to help.
  • Make sure you continue your breathing and coughing exercises to keep your lungs clear and help prevent complications.

Follow-up care during your TAVR recovery

Your TAVR Doctor will provide specific follow-up care instructions for you, which may include cardiac care rehabilitation. He or she will let you know if you need this extra support after your TAVR procedure.

Follow-up care visits will also be scheduled with either your TAVR Doctor or your regular heart doctor (cardiologist). If your follow-up care is with your TAVR Doctor, it is important to reach out to your cardiologist to let them know how your TAVR procedure went.

As you get back to life, it is important to call or see your cardiologist whenever you have questions or concerns, especially if you experience any unusual problems such as bleeding, pain, other discomfort, or changes in your overall health.

Dr. T.G. Patel

Patient Stories

It's only the beginning of Dr. T.G. Patel's mission

Watch how the retired U.S. Navy physician was able to quickly return to his humanitarian work after TAVR.

Watch Dr. Patel’s story
Free TAVR info kit

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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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References
1. PARTNER 3 trial, low-risk cohort unadjusted clinical event rates, AT population.