Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Community Heart and Vascular Hospital offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an FDA-approved procedure appropriate for patients with aortic valve stenosis who are not candidates for open surgery to replace their natural aortic valve.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement involves replacing the aortic valve with a prosthetic valve via the femoral artery in your leg (transfemoral) or the left ventricular apex of your heart (transapical).

A less invasive approach, TAVR is usually reserved for individuals at increased risk of complications from open heart aortic valve surgery. TAVR is sometimes referred to as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Watch the video below featuring Sandeep Dube, MD, an interventional cardiologist, as he explains the minimally-invasive TAVR procedure. Learn about benefits for patients, patient signs and symptoms, who qualifies for the procedure, and what to expect in recovery.

Benefits of TAVR

  • Good alternative for patients who may be at too high risk for open heart surgery
  • Minimally-invasive procedure allows the aortic valve to be replaced with a new valve while the heart is still beating
  • Reduced healing time
  • Less time in the hospital
  • Restores quality of life
  • Excellent success rates

What is Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Aortic valve stenosis — or aortic stenosis — occurs when the heart’s aortic valve narrows. This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, which obstructs blood flow from your heart into your aorta and onward to the rest of the body. This can lead to chest pain or chest tightness (angina), heart palpitations, dizziness and fainting, fatigue and shortness of breath, especially with exertion. Aortic valve stenosis may also lead to cardiac arrest or other more serious complications if left untreated. When aortic valve stenosis becomes severe and symptomatic, surgery is usually needed to replace the valve.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the TAVR procedure and if it may be right for your condition, please call 800-777-7775 for an appointment.