What to expect with the TAVR procedure
Preparing for your TAVR procedure
If you’ve been told you need an aortic valve replacement, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. To help guide important discussions with your doctor, we’ve compiled a helpful list of questions.
When you consult with your heart team, it’s helpful to have a friend or family member come along to hear the information first-hand, ask questions, and to take notes. It’s also advisable to have a family member or caregiver at home to help for the first few days after the procedure, as you recover.
When you’re contemplating a replacement heart valve, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. To help you talk through all the important details with your doctor, we compiled a helpful list of questions.
To access your heart, your doctor will make a small incision in your artery or blood vessel, most often in the groin, and insert a small, hollow tube, called a catheter.
Step 1
The artificial valve is compressed and placed onto the catheter. The catheter and the compressed valve will travel through a large blood vessel until they reach the diseased aortic valve.
Step 2
Your doctor will expand the artificial valve pushing the diseased parts of the aortic valve leaflets out of the way. To guide the positioning and placement of your new valve, your doctor will use special X-ray equipment.
Step 3
Once in place, the new valve will begin to function immediately and restore healthy blood flow. Your doctor will then remove the catheter, close the incision, and transfer you to a recovery area.
A new lease on life
Until recently, Allen Brady thought the time he served in Vietnam was the fight of his life. Then he was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. No longer able to do all the things he loved, Allen opted for the TAVR procedure. And that changed everything. “It’s like a new lease on life all of a sudden. It’s like 20 years ago.”
Understanding risks
A valve replacement is a major heart procedure. There are risks with all medical procedures. Your heart team will help you understand the risks and benefits for you.
After your TAVR procedure
The time spent in the hospital will depend on how quickly you recover.
Before leaving the hospital, you will be given instructions regarding follow-up office and/or clinic visit appointments. Ask questions if you have any concerns about your new heart valve or medications you’ll be taking.
*Illustrations for information purposes – not indicative of actual size or clinical outcome.