What Is TAVR?
TAVR treats aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart's aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow, forcing the heart to work harder. Instead of opening the chest, the new valve is compressed onto a catheter, guided through the blood vessels to the heart, and expanded into place inside the diseased valve — pushing it aside and taking over its function.
Who Is a Candidate for TAVR?
- Patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis causing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting
- Patients considered higher risk for traditional open-heart valve surgery
- Increasingly, patients across a range of surgical risk levels, following a thorough evaluation by a heart team
A team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons evaluates imaging and overall health together to confirm candidacy.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Performed under sedation or general anesthesia, the new valve is delivered through a catheter — most commonly through an artery in the groin — and positioned precisely using live imaging. Once expanded, the new valve begins functioning immediately. Many patients are up and walking within a day, a marked difference from the longer recovery typical of open-heart valve surgery.
Everything in One Place
From the initial cardiac imaging and heart team evaluation to the TAVR procedure itself and post-procedure recovery, Hospital CMQ coordinates the full pathway for aortic valve disease under one roof.
Ask our cardiology team whether TAVR could be an option for you or a family member.
References
- American College of Cardiology — TAVR overview
- Mayo Clinic — TAVR procedure
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons — Aortic valve disease treatment
