Cardiovascular Services

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Severe aortic stenosis

The narrowing of the aortic valve opening that does not allow normal blood flow.

Causes

Birth defect
Rheumatic fever
Radiation therapy
Age related

Severe aortic stenosis can be caused by the build up of calcium (mineral deposits) on the aortic valve’s leaflets. This happens often in elderly patients, where the leaflets become stiff and their ability to fully open and close is reduced. The heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to the rest of the body. The heart gets weaker, thus increasing the risk of heart failure.

Symptoms

Chest Pain
Shortness of Breath
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Difficulty Exercising

Heart valve disease often occurs with no outward symptoms and may go undetected. Severe aortic stenosis is a very serious problem. Without treatment, half of the people who feel sick from this problem die within an average of two years.

Treatment Options

TAVR – A recently approved procedure for high-risk or inoperable patients that allows a new valve to be implanted where the native calcified valve currently is. TAVR does not require the chest to be opened up or the heart to be arrested during the procedure.

AVR – the most common treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. During open heart surgery, a surgeon removes the diseased native valve to implant an artificial valve in its place.