What is TAVR?
Heart valves which are damaged beyond a simple repair can often be replaced. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), is a minimally invasive heart surgery procedure. It is used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the heart’s aortic valve becomes thickened, stiff, and narrow. As a result, the valve cannot fully open, leading to reduced blood flow to the body.
Here are the key points about TAVR:
Procedure overview:
- TAVR involves replacing a malfunctioning aortic valve with an artificial one.
- Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is less invasive and avoids the need for a large incision in the chest.
- The procedure is typically performed through a small incision in the groin (known as the transfemoral approach), while the heart is still beating23.
How it works:
- A catheter (a thin tube) is inserted into an artery (usually in the groin) and threaded up to the heart.
- The new heart valve is advanced through the catheter to the appropriate location in the heart.
- Once in place, the new valve expands and takes over the function of the damaged valve3.
Benefits of TAVR
- Minimally invasive: Requires smaller incisions and shorter recovery time compared to open-heart surgery.
- Suitable for high-risk patients: TAVR is an option for those who may not be candidates for standard valve replacement surgery.
- Improved quality of life: Patients often experience better heart function and reduced symptoms after TAVR4.
TAVR is an FDA-approved procedure for people who have been diagnosed with symptomatic aortic valve narrowing (aortic stenosis) and are considered either extreme-risk, high-risk or immediate-risk for standard surgical valve replacement. TAVR provides an effective alternative for treating aortic valve stenosis, allowing patients to regain better heart function and quality of life without the need for extensive surgery.
