TAVR

Developed in 2002 in France, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a revolutionary approach at replacing damaged aortic valves without having to open up the chest. This approach allows for a much faster recovery and for fewer complications than traditional open heart surgery.

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+ WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TAVR?

Patients who have a very narrowed aortic valve or a very leaky aortic valve. Depending on the aortic valve pathology, additional criteria must also be met.

+ WHAT TESTS OR CONSULTS DO I NEED AS PART OF MY WORK-UP FOR TAVR?

  • Transthoracic echo
  • Coronary angiography
  • CT scan
  • Dental evaluation
  • Pulmonary function test
  • Carotid ultrasound
  • Interventional cardiology consult
  • Cardiothoracic surgical consult

+ HOW IS THE TAVR DONE?

  • TAVR is done in the hospital and requires at least an overnight stay in the hospital
  • Your TAVR can be done while awake or asleep, depending on what your doctor thinks is safest for you
  • It takes about 45 minutes to complete the TAVR, but there is always about 45 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of recovery time after the TAVR is done
  • You will have catheters (tubes) advanced along your neck, wrist and both groins
  • You will likely be a little groggy after the TAVR because of the anesthesia
  • There will likely be some soreness along the groins and neck immediately after the TAVR

+ WHAT CAN I EXPECT POST TAVR?

  • You will need to spend the night in the hospital and usually go home the next day
  • Bruising and small bumps along the groin puncture site or down your legs is expected and will disappear within 1-2 months
  • If you had shortness of breath, it should improve over the next 2 weeks
  • No lifting more than 20lbs on either hand for 2 weeks
  • No running, jumping, squatting, exercising, swimming or submerging your body under water for 1 week
  • You CAN walk, climb stairs and shower the day after your TAVR