TAVR Procedure

Our highly skilled and experienced surgeons and cardiologists were some of the first in the state to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A less-invasive option than open-heart surgery, TAVR provides a safer alternative if you aren't able to undergo traditional surgeries.

What is TAVR?

This catheter-based procedure replaces your diseased or damaged aortic valve without having to surgically remove it. This may decrease your recovery time without the major impact of an open-heart procedure.

Who’s a good candidate for TAVR?

There are multiple factors your care team will consider before deciding if you’re a good candidate for TAVR surgery. Our top cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons will work together to diagnose you and determine the best treatment possible. Historically, TAVR procedures were only suggested if you were considered high-risk for open-heart surgery. Today, TAVR is now a viable solution for more people, including those at a low and medium risk for open-heart surgery.

How does TAVR work?

Our multidisciplinary team will approach the heart via the femoral artery (a large vein in your groin), or a tiny incision in your chest, and guide the new valve into place through a catheter. At the end of the catheter is a balloon-like device. The device will be wrapped very tightly around the balloon and once everything is in place, the balloon will be inflated. As it expands, it will push the damaged valve to the side, allowing the new valve to take the place of the old without the need for invasive, open-heart surgery.