TAVR

Our cardiac specialists were among the first in the region to perform an innovative procedure (without open-heart surgery) to replace diseased heart valves in the sickest of patients. TAVR — Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement — is performed by a multidisciplinary team of cardiac experts and gives patients a new lease on life.

How Does TAVR Work?

During the valve replacement procedure, a collapsible heart valve is placed into the body via catheter through a femoral artery the groin (transfemoral approach) or through the chest (transapical approach).

What Happens During the TAVR Procedure?

The heart continues to beat therefore cardiopulmonary bypass is not required. The flaps of tissue (valve leaflets) that open and close to regulate the flow of blood in one direction are sewn onto a balloon-expandable steel frame.

The valve is crimped down to the diameter of a pencil, then placed into your body via a catheter through your femoral artery in your groin (transfemoral approach) or through your chest (transapical approach). The delivery system allows for controlled placement which helps to protect the surrounding structures within your heart. Once in place, the transcatheter heart valve functions like a normal, healthy valve with proper blood flow.