Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is used to treat aortic stenosis in patients who are at high risk for an open heart procedure.

The TAVR procedure replaces the patient’s aortic valve. A catheter that carries the new valve is passed through an artery in the groin and up to the heart, where the valve is placed. Patients have a team of physicians caring for them during the procedure, including an anesthesiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon and two interventional cardiologists who specialize in the TAVR procedure. A cardiologist specializing in echocardiography is also part of the team.

TAVR patients receive a variety of tests to ensure they are appropriate candidates for the procedure. Tests include:

• Cardiac catheterization, to ensure there are no issues with blood flow that would need to be addressed prior to or during the TAVR procedure.
• A CT scan of the patient’s heart and abdomen, which provides a look at the “path” the cardiologist will take from the patient’s groin to their heart, and allows for the accurate measurement of the patient’s aortic valve.
• An ultrasound of the carotid arteries on both sides of the patient’s neck, to indicate any buildup of cholesterol plaque.
• A pulmonary function test, to determine the strength of the patient’s lungs.

Patients undergoing the TAVR procedure are typically in the hospital three to five days, but usually start feeling better 24 hours after receiving their new valve.