Understanding the risks of a TAVR procedure
A valve replacement is a major heart procedure
Although TAVR is a minimally-invasive alternative to open heart surgery,there are risks associated with all medical procedures.
The risks include but are not limited to:
- Access site complications, typically in the groin, including arteriovenous fistula, hematoma or lymphatic problems
- Allergic reactions to procedural materials
- Arrhythmia, abnormal heart beats, or new conduction system injury including need for permanent pacemaker
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebral infarction or neurologic deficits
- Death
- Clotting in the blood stream or thrombosis (including air, tissue, thrombus or device materials)
- Heart tissue or valvular injury
- Permanent disability
- Fluid in the space that surrounds the lungs or heart
- Kidney failure or damage
- Problems with the artificial valve such as leakage (regurgitation) or restriction (stenosis)
These complications may require additional medical, percutaneous or surgical intervention, including re-operation and replacement of the valve. These complications can be very serious and possibly fatal.
Be sure to talk with your heart team so that you thoroughly understand all the risks and benefits.
Minimizing stroke risk with Protected TAVRTM
During the TAVR procedure, pieces of calcified heart valve or tissue can break loose and travel in the bloodstream towards the brain. If left untreated there can be serious consequences such as stroke.
To minimize the risk of a stroke during a TAVR procedure, ask your doctor about Protected TAVR using the SENTINELTM Cerebral Protection System (CPS).