TAVR
In April 2014, Saint Agnes Medical Center's expert team of cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists performed the Valley’s first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a nonsurgical treatment option for intermediate- and high-risk patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. Since then, our heart team has given new hope and the promise of an improved quality of life to more patients than any other area hospital – and the numbers continue to grow.
What is TAVR
TAVR is short for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that allows the heart valve to be replaced without the need for open chest surgery. Our specially trained team of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons uses a balloon catheter, inserted through a small incision in the leg or under the clavicle, to place a new valve within the diseased aortic valve.
Benefits of TAVR
Patients who undergo TAVR have greater stamina, are able to be more physically active, and enjoy improved cardiovascular health. What’s more, patients leave the hospital within 2-3 days and their recovery after TAVR takes just a few weeks, rather than the months associated with traditional heart surgery.
Am I a candidate for TAVR?
TAVR is available for all symptomatic aortic stenosis patients, including those at low risk for complications from open heart surgery.
Signs of aortic stenosis include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness, feeling dizzy, and or fainting
- Difficulty when exercising
- Heart palpitations
If you have been diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and think you may be a candidate for Watchman, please call the Saint Agnes Structural Heart Clinic, (559) 450-4058.
To learn more about aortic stenosis and TAVR, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover TAVR?
Medicare covers TAVR when certain conditions are met. Your heart team will discuss those criteria with you.
How long have TAVR procedures been performed?
TAVR has been commercially available in Europe since 2007 and in the United States since 2011. It was first performed at Saint Agnes in 2014.
How long does the TAVR valve last?
How long the valve last varies from patient-to-patient. It has been tested to mimic 5 years of use without failure.
What are the risks associated with the TAVR heart valve?
Most medical procedures have risks. The most serious risks include stroke, serious damage to the arteries, serious bleeding and even death. Ask your doctor to explain all risks to you.
How long will it take for the doctor to put in my new TAVR heart valve?
The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.
Will I be awake when they put in my new valve?
Because each patient is different, your heart team will decide if you should be fully asleep during the procedure.
Why is the TAVR procedure less invasive than open heart surgery?
Open heart surgery requires that your chest is opened, and your heart is stopped. Neither of those are needed for TAVR.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital after my TAVR procedure?
The average hospital stay is 2-3 days.
Will I need to take blood thinners?
Your doctor will probably ask you to take blood thinners after your TAVR procedure. This might include aspirin or medicines like Plavix. These will help to thin your blood while your body gets used to your new heart valve, and will help reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Are there other medical restrictions?
Your doctor will tell you what you can and cannot do now that you have a new heart valve.