What is a TAVR procedure?
During a TAVR procedure, the cardiovascular experts at CIS make a tiny incision near the groin or in a major leg artery, then guide a long tube about the width of a pencil into the body. A new valve containing a collapsed balloon on one end is placed inside the patient’s diseased valve and inflated. When the balloon is inflated, it immediately restores blood flow from the heart. The patient’s doctor will ensure the new valve is working properly before closing up the incision.
What makes the TAVR procedure unique?
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the TAVR procedure:
- Is a closed-chest treatment
- Takes place while the patient’s heart is still beating
- Eliminates the need for the heart-lung machine
- Doesn’t require stopping the heart
- Results in faster recovery times
The TAVR procedure may involve general anesthesia and is associated with specific contraindications as well as adverse effects, including risks of death, stroke, major vascular complications and major bleeding, and other life-threatening and serious events. Those eligible for a TAVR procedure include people with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are at an intermediate or greater risk for open-heart surgery as determined by a specialized heart team. At this time, TAVR is not approved for everyone.
