TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (also known as TAVR or TAVI) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a new valve is placed inside your narrowed aortic valve. The valve is compressed in a delivery system (long, thin tube) to make it small enough to fit within your artery. The delivery system carrying the valve will be pushed up to the aortic valve guided by a type of X-ray. The new valve is then deployed, pushing the old valve’s leaflets aside and letting the new valve take over to regulate blood flow.

We generally expect patients to return to most of their activities within 30 days. If you had complications, problems, or are in an ill state of health prior to your procedure, you may take longer to recover.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to help you with recovery, which may include a special diet, exercise, and medication. It is important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions, especially if blood thinning drugs are prescribed. Your doctor will monitor your medication and advise you when or if you can discontinue taking it. Attending regular checkups with your cardiologist will be an important way to track your heart health.