Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

If you have severe aortic valve disease, your doctor may recommend a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), also known as TAVR. The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart’s left ventricle to the aorta. Over time, calcium buildup can cause the valve to narrow and stiffen, a condition called aortic stenosis. This limits blood flow and forces your heart to work harder.

TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure to replace the narrowed valve without open-heart surgery. It is typically done through a small incision in the groin. A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and guided to the heart. A balloon may be used to widen the narrowed valve. Then, a replacement tissue valve, mounted on a wire mesh (stent), is delivered through the catheter and expanded in place.

Once the new valve is positioned, the catheter is removed, and the incisions are closed. The new valve immediately takes over the job of regulating blood flow.

For more information, consult your cardiologist.