Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, better known as TAVR, is a groundbreaking medical procedure that can help people with heart valve problems. It’s a minimally invasive way to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve.

How does it work?

The heart has four valves that control the flow of blood in and out of the heart. If one of these valves isn’t working properly, it can cause a range of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and lightheadedness. Traditionally, the way to fix a faulty heart valve was through open-heart surgery. This involves cutting open the chest and stopping the heart to replace the valve with an artificial one.

TAVR is a less invasive way to replace a faulty heart valve. It involves inserting a catheter through a small incision and threading it up to the heart. The new valve is then implanted inside the old one, and it takes over the job of regulating blood flow.

Benefits of TAVR

One of the biggest benefits of TAVR is that it’s much less traumatic than open-heart surgery. It doesn’t require stopping the heart or cutting open the chest, so the recovery time is potentially much faster. Patients typically only need to stay in the hospital for a few days, and they can often return to their normal activities within a week or two.

Who is TAVR for?

TAVR is recommended for people who are considered high-risk for open-heart surgery. This might include older patients, patients with other medical conditions, or patients who have had previous heart surgeries. It’s important to talk to your doctor about whether TAVR is the right option for you.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a faulty heart valve, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or lightheadedness, talk to your doctor about whether TAVR might be the right option for you. TAVR can help improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious complications.