If you live with aortic stenosis, TAVR could improve your quality of life. This procedure replaces your heart’s narrowed valve, letting blood flow better through your heart. Treatment is less invasive than heart surgery, meaning you’ll have less chest pain, breathe better and feel more energetic. TAVR is an hour-long outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day.
You may receive TAVR at:
Your heart’s aortic valve opens and closes to control blood flow through your heart. Aortic stenosis (narrowing) happens when the valve doesn’t open all the way due to age, a birth defect (congenital heart disease) or built-up calcium or fat. Your heart then must work harder to pump blood. You may experience fatigue, chest pain, anxiety and shortness of breath.
Your doctor may recommend TAVR if you meet either of these criteria:
You’ll receive treatment from an interventional cardiologist — a doctor who specializes in less invasive heart care. While you lie on a table, the cardiologist inserts a soft tube called a catheter into a blood vessel. The tube carries the artificial aortic valve up to your heart. The doctor places it over your narrowed aortic valve, allowing blood to flow more freely.
TAVR doesn’t use a large incision, so you’ll recover much faster than you would after heart surgery. Most people leave the hospital after a day or two. Your doctor will explain how to take care of yourself at home, and you’ll make follow-up appointments for one month and one year after treatment.
Ask your cardiologist if TAVR is a good option for you. Need a cardiologist? Search our provider directory and ask your primary care provider for a referral.
