Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive way to replace a narrowed heart valve. With this treatment, you may be able to avoid traditional open-heart surgery. It may be an option if you have severe aortic stenosis and symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fatigue.
Banner Health offers advanced heart care with personalized plans to help you get the best results.
Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disease where the valve between the heart and the rest of the body becomes narrow and stiff. This makes it hard for the valve to open all the way. When this happens, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.
Over time, the condition can get worse and may become life-threatening without treatment. Common signs of aortic stenosis include:
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, is a minimally invasive valve replacement where a surgeon uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a new valve inside your heart. This tube is usually inserted through an artery in your groin or thigh.
The new valve is made from animal tissue and is designed to improve blood flow immediately. Because it is less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery, surgeons can use smaller incisions and don’t have to open the chest.
Sometimes, TAVR is called transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
You may qualify for TAVR if you have severe aortic stenosis, symptoms that affect your daily life and scans show that placement in your body is possible. It is an option for most people and especially for those who are at higher risk for traditional surgery, such as older people and people who have other medical conditions like lung or kidney disease.
Some younger people may qualify depending on their valve type and their long-term health goals. Talk with your doctor about whether TAVR is right for you.
A specialized valve team decides if TAVR is right for you. This team includes heart surgeons and interventional cardiologists who review your imaging, health history and goals.
Wondering if TAVR is right for you? Request an evaluation with a Banner Health heart specialist.
When comparing TAVR vs traditional surgery, both have benefits. Your care team will help you choose the best path for your needs.
Surgery may be the better choice for some younger people and those who need other heart repairs at the same time.
The best option for you depends on your age, anatomy, health history and goals. Your heart care team will help you weigh the risks and benefits of each choice.
You will probably complete several steps, including:
You will have sedation or anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Your surgeon guides the new valve into place and it begins working right away.
The procedure often takes one to two hours. It may take longer, depending on the complexity of your case.
You may stay in the hospital for one to three days for monitoring. It is common to go home the next day.
TAVR recovery focuses on getting you back to your normal routine. You will probably be able to walk soon after the procedure. Your team will give you instructions on how to care for your incision site.
Most people resume normal activities like driving within a week or two and feel like they’ve improved a lot within 30 days. This is often much faster than recovery from open-heart surgery.
You will need follow-up visits and imaging tests to make sure the new valve works properly. Your team may also recommend cardiac rehabilitation to help strengthen your heart.
After TAVR you may have:
While TAVR is generally safe, all heart procedures have risks. Your heart team works hard to lower these risks during your care. Risks may include:
At Banner Health, our structural heart specialists provide expert care. We use advanced heart imaging and a team-based approach to make the best recommendations for your health. You also have access to surgery and other valve treatment options if they fit your needs better.
Find a Banner Health heart specialist near you.
A TAVR valve typically lasts between 10 to 15 years.
The risks of death or stroke are similar for both TAVR and traditional open-heart surgery.
Many people feel better in 30 days, though a full recovery can take a few months.
Your health care provider may recommend a cardiac rehab program to help you recover faster.
There is no specific age limit for TAVR. It is often a great option for older adults who cannot have major surgery.
Most people notice a significant improvement in their symptoms within one month.
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