What is a TAVR procedure?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to
replace the aortic valve in patients with severe aortic stenosis. TAVR is less invasive
than open-heart surgery, and the procedure typically takes less than one hour. Your
heart team will determine if you should have a mild sedative or general anesthesia.
At the start of the procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in one of three typically
used access routes: a small cut in the groin (1), the neck (2), or a space between your
ribs (3).
The doctor will guide a thin, flexible tube with the heart valve into your artery and to your
diseased valve. Throughout the procedure, your doctor will be viewing images of your
heart.
The TAVR heart valve will be placed in your diseased valve. Your new valve will work
immediately. Your doctor will remove the tube and close the cut.

TAVR procedure recovery

After the procedure, most patients spend a few hours in the intensive care unit (ICU)
before transferring to a patient room. Typically, patients begin walking the same day as
their TAVR procedure and are discharged within a day or two.
Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will explain what kinds of activities you can
do, what medications you need to take, and when you will need to see your doctor
again. You will also be given an information card about your new TAVR heart valve.
You will be asked to return to the valve clinic to have your heart valve checked at 30
days and one year after your procedure, and as recommended by your physician. If you
have concerns, discomfort, or changes in your health, be sure to let your doctor know
right away.