TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)
What is Aortic Stenosis?
The aortic valve allows blood to pass from the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) into the aorta, the body’s main artery responsible for distributing oxygenated blood from the heart to all other organs. Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the valve due to calcium accumulation with age. It results in reduced blood flow to the body and increased strain on the left ventricle. Ultimately, this leads to symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain and passing-out. If untreated, severe aortic stenosis can lead to death in up to 50 percent of patients. The traditional treatment of aortic stenosis is open-heart surgery with surgical aortic valve replacement.
What is TAVR?
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery, that treats aortic stenosis. This procedure involves a special catheter (long thin tube) with a closed balloon at the tip. The replacement stent-based valve is mounted over the closed balloon. This catheter is inserted via a small groin incision, advanced up the femoral artery and through the aorta, stopping at the aortic valve. The balloon on the catheter is inflated, expanding the new valve into place, and pushing aside the old valve. The procedure is performed in the presence of an interventional cardiologist, a cardiac surgeon and a specialized anesthesiologist. TAVR improves survival, symptoms and quality of life.
