Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Procedure
What is a TAVR?
TAVR is a less invasive procedure that is designed to replace a diseased aortic valve and get you back on your feet faster. Any severe aortic stenosis patients who are experiencing symptoms should be considered for TAVR. Only a trained structural heart team can tell you if it is right for you. The procedure is also an option for people at high risk for surgery who had their aortic valve replaced in the past, but need a new one because the replacement may no longer work well.
What is Aortic Stenosis
The job of your heart is to supply oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. Your heart does this by pumping blood through its four chambers with the help of four heart valves that open and close with every beat. One of those valves, the aortic valve, allows the passage of blood from the heart to the body. A healthy aortic valve has three thin leaflets that open and close properly. With aortic stenosis or a “stenotic” or diseased aortic valve, those leaflets become stiff and thickened which prevent them from opening and closing correctly. This limits the amount of blood pumped out to the body and makes your heart work harder. A diseased valve affects your health and can limit your daily activities.
Causes of Severe Aortic Stenosis
- Calcium build-up
- Birth defect
- Rheumatic fever
- Radiation therapy
Symptoms of Severe Aortic Stenosis
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
TAVR at Lima Memorial
TAVR can be done in multiple ways, but the most common approach involves making a small incision in your leg (transfemoral approach). Other approaches may be considered by the TAVR team after a thorough evaluation and testing. At Lima Memorial, our Structural Heart team will work with you to determine the best approach for replacing your valve.
After Your TAVR Procedure
Every individual is unique in their recovery from the procedure. Some patients feel immediate relief from their symptoms soon after their TAVR procedure. For others, it may take a bit longer to get back to normal. Both scenarios are common and normal. Research shows patients who undergo TAVR have reduction in symptoms, improved ability to take care of themselves, improved heart function and improved quality of life within 30 days following the procedure.
Benefits of TAVR
Compared to open-heart surgery, TAVR has the following benefits:
- TAVR is less invasive. Open-heart surgery usually requires large incisions in your chest and or cracking, lifting and spreading open your ribcage. With TAVR there is one small incision, and your rib cage remains unmoved.
- Smooth recovery. There is less healing involved with TAVR, and therefore less pain and a better recovery.
- A short stay with us. Open-heart surgery recovery may require you to stay in the hospital for a long period of time. When you undergo a TAVR procedure, you may be discharged the same day or the next day depending on your health.
The Lima Memorial TAVR Team
The goal of Lima Memorial’s TAVR program is to improve your quality of life. We provide a team-based approach to prepare a personalized treatment plan for you.
To request a consultation, or for more information or questions about our TAVR program, please call our Structural Heart Coordinator, Natalie Lammers, PA-C, at 419-998-4404.
Same-Day Cardiology Appointments
If you suspect you are having heart issues and would like to see us immediately, call 419-224-5915 to schedule a Same-Day appointment.
*If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, severe and persistent chest pain, nausea or changes in blood pressure and heart rate, call 9-1-1.
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