TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

About

TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without performing open-heart surgery. It is primarily recommended for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart.

What is Aortic Stenosis?

The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. When this valve becomes stiff or narrowed, the heart must work harder to pump blood, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fatigue and reduced physical activity
  • Heart failure symptoms in advanced cases

How is TAVR Performed?

During the procedure:

  1. A thin catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin (femoral artery).
  2. The catheter carries a replacement valve to the heart.
  3. The new valve is positioned inside the diseased aortic valve.
  4. Once deployed, the new valve takes over the function of regulating blood flow.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation and usually takes 1–2 hours.

Benefits of TAVR

  • Minimally invasive (no large chest incision)
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery
  • Reduced pain and blood loss
  • Improved quality of life and symptom relief
  • Suitable for elderly and high-risk surgical patients

Recovery After TAVR

Most patients:

  • Walk within 24 hours
  • Leave the hospital within 1–3 days
  • Resume normal activities within a few weeks
  • Experience significant improvement in breathing and energy levels

Risks of TAVR

Although generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Stroke
  • Infection
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Valve leakage
  • Vascular complications

Success Rate

TAVR has shown excellent outcomes worldwide, with high procedural success rates and significant improvements in survival, symptoms, and quality of life for patients with severe aortic stenosis.