Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a minimally invasive valve replacement procedure that replaces a diseased aortic heart valve without open-heart surgery using a balloon expandable valve that is inserted through a small incision in the groin. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Questions:
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During the procedure, the artificial valve – framed by a stent and wrapped around a balloon – is transported up to the aortic valve via a large catheter in the leg. The new valve is then anchored into position inside the diseased valve by inflation of a balloon. Placement of the stent is monitored with X-ray and ultrasound imaging.
Interventional cardiologists and UF Health cardiothoracic surgeons work together in our hybrid imaging and surgery operating room to perform this innovative procedure.
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This procedure is used for select patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) who are intermediate, high risk, or in-operable candidates for traditional open heart surgery.
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After surgery, you will recover overnight in Cardiovascular ICU. From CVICU, you will transfer to a step down unit in the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (CPCU) or Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit (CIC) until discharge, typically within 1-3 days.
TAVR benefits may include:
Lower risk of bleeding
Faster recovery rate
Less pain compared to open surgery