TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

What is a TAVR Procedure

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. TAVR involves inserting a catheter through a large artery in the leg and guiding a new valve to the heart. The new valve is placed within the existing diseased valve, restoring healthy blood flow without the need for open-heart surgery.

Who is Eligible for the Procedure

All potential patients will be assessed and educated by our specially trained team, consisting of a cardiothoracic surgeon, an interventional cardiologist and a nurse navigator. Together they will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether this procedure is an appropriate option for the patient. Heart conditions that may meet the criteria include:

• Severe aortic stenosis
• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart failure

If you are a candidate for the TAVR procedure, you will receive specific instructions and be scheduled for the TAVR surgery at HealthPark Medical Center.

TAVR Pre-Operation Diagnosis 

Before you are considered for the operation, our cardiologists will conduct heart imaging and diagnostic tests on you first. These tests help our surgeons obtain an understanding of your internal metrics and if any underlying health concerns. Diagnostic testing includes:

• Blood tests
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram

How TAVR Is Performed

TAVR is performed under conscious sedation in a hybrid operating room. A cardiothoracic surgeon and an interventional cardiologist work together, utilizing fluoroscopy and echocardiography to guide the valve to the site of the patient's diseased heart valve. During the procedure:

• The valve is crimped to a small size and placed on a catheter.
• A small incision is made in the groin.
• The catheter is threaded through the femoral artery to the heart.
• Fluoroscopy and echocardiography guide placement.
• The valve expands inside the existing valve and begins functioning immediately.

The entire process typically takes around 90 minutes. Most patients recover quickly, and can return home the day after surgery. Lee Health has a cardiac rehabilitation program for patients post operation recovery.

What are the Advantages of TAVR

At the Lee Health Heart Institute, our cardiothoracic surgeons pride themselves on providing patients with the TAVR procedure for better outcomes compared to traditional surgery. These advantages include a less invasive approach than traditionally surgery, shorter hospital stays, and smoother recovery times. Our cardiac rehabilitation team will work with you after your procedure for easier recovery after the procedure. 

Risks of the Procedure

While less invasive than open heart surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR still has the potential for similar adverse effects, including risk of death, stroke, damage to the artery used for replacement of the valve, major bleeding, and other life-threatening and serious events. While the risks are very low, they still exist.  

Experience and Expertise at Lee Health

Following FDA approval in late 2011, Shipley Center was the first program in Florida to perform the TAVR procedure. Since that time we have performed over 2,000 TAVRs.

Lee Health provides the most advanced valve replacement surgeries and treatments using a multidisciplinary approach. Our structural heart program regularly handles the most complex cases in the region with excellent outcomes.