If you are a high- or intermediate-risk patient with aortic stenosis, your heart valve may be stiff or thick, restricting the blood flow from your heart. You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Overview
In this procedure, a new valve is advanced to your heart with a catheter and mounted on a stent frame within the diseased valve, eliminating your need for open heart surgery. Low-risk patients with aortic stenosis also may be eligible for TAVR.
Our approach
M Health Fairview Heart Care specialists began performing the TAVR procedure in 2012. TAVR is an alternative to open-heart valve replacement surgery for high- and intermediate-risk patients. For appropriate low-risk patients, TAVR may be an option. At the M Health Fairview Heart Care, a team of specialists will get to know you and your medical history before a TAVR is performed.
During the procedure itself, a heart valve is placed on a catheter and typically advanced through an incision in your leg into an artery that carries it to your heart. This is called a transfemoral procedure. The valve fits within the catheter and is placed where your diseased valve is, pushing it out of the way which allows it to begin working immediately. The TAVR procedure provides immediate relief from the aortic stenosis symptoms and a much shorter recovery time than open heart surgery.
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