TAVR
TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. It is an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for patients who are considered low, intermediate, high-risk or inoperable for conventional valve replacement surgery.
TAVR offers several benefits compared to open-heart surgery, including shorter recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and a lower risk of complications, particularly for older patients or those with other medical conditions that make traditional surgery is more risky. However, it may not suitable for all patients, and the decision on the most appropriate treatment approach will depend on individual patient factors, including their overall health and the severity of the aortic valve stenosis.
TAVR co-ordinator
Michelle Takir
In a TAVR procedure, a replacement valve is implanted within the existing aortic valve using a catheter. The catheter is typically inserted through a small incision, either in the groin (transfemoral approach) or rarely through a small chest incision (transapical or transaortic approach), and threaded up to the heart. The new valve is then expanded and positioned within the native valve, effectively taking over its function and allowing improved blood flow.
Aortic stenosis
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Lower extremity Edema
- Dizziness/Passing out spells
- Heart murmur (Ejection Systolic Murmur)