Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

For heart conditions, such as severe aortic stenosis, you have treatment options at NKC Hospital. We offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an innovative alternative to open heart surgery for people who need their heart valve replaced. As the first hospital in our community to perform TAVR, our experienced team provides quality care you can trust.

What is the TAVR procedure

 TAVR is the medical abbreviation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Some people also refer to TAVR as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVR or TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a possible alternative to open heart surgery.

During the procedure, a TAVR-trained cardiovascular specialist inserts a new aortic valve inside the damaged valve using a catheter and the procedure lasts about 1.5 hours.

When to consider TAVR

Your heart team will consider your criteria to determine if TAVR will help treat severe aortic stenosis (AS). If you’re diagnosed with severe AS, our heart team evaluates your condition to determine if you are a candidate for TAVR.

Severe aortic stenosis

An aortic stenosis diagnosis means the opening in your aortic valve is too narrow to allow blood to flow properly from your heart to the rest of your body. Calcium build-up on aortic valve tissues usually causes the narrowing. Obstruction of your aortic valve makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Over time, the extra work may weaken your heart muscle.

People with severe AS usually need heart surgery to replace the valve and restore normal blood flow.

TAVR surgery benefits and risks

Benefits of TAVR surgery may include:

• A shorter hospital stay and faster recovery, compared to open heart surgery
• Improved quality of life long-term
• Mobility on the same day as the procedure
• Relief from aortic stenosis symptoms

As with any procedure, TAVR has potential risks that your doctor will discuss with you beforehand. Those who receive TAVR can avoid many of the risks associated with open heart surgery. The most serious risks of the TAVR procedure include death from any cause, stroke, and vascular or bleeding complications.

Your expert heart team

If you are a candidate for TAVR, our team of dedicated interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists and clinical staff members will be with you every step of the way. You’ll work closely with your heart team, and we’ll evaluate and monitor you in our valve clinic before and after your TAVR procedure.

Interested in TAVR? Ask your cardiologist for a referral.