TAVR

Invasive Therapeutic Intervention

Percutaneous Intervention – coronary, peripheral artery

Purpose
These therapeutic procedures, in general, involve reestablishment of improved blood flow to the downstream organ by placement of a stent, balloon inflation, or atherectomy procedure. They are performed after angiography has documented that percutaneous intervention is appropriate and technically possible.

Preparation
Preparation for these tests is similar to that for cardiac catheterization (refer to Cardiac Catheterization Preparation above). These procedures must be done in an approved specialized facility.

Therapeutic Electrophysiology – permanent pace-maker insertion, defibrillator placement

Purpose
Pacemakers or defibrillators are implanted to provide improved control on individual patients with rhythm disorders. Pacemaker implantation can be used to improve slow or absent cardiac rhythms or improve cardiac muscle performance. Defibrillators are used to convert rapid, possibly lethal cardiac rhythms back to normal rhythm by the process of shocking the heart back to an electrically normal rhythm.

Preparation
These procedures must be done in an approved facility, usually on an inpatient basis. Preparation is similar to that for cardiac catheterization (refer to Cardiac Catheterization Preparation above).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR is a minimally-invasive option for heart valve replacement.

Our mission is to treat patients with the BEST POSSIBLE Option for Aortic Stenosis. You may be a better candidate for Surgical Valve Replacement or medical management. All options will be discussed in detail.

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Narrowing and hardening of the aortic valve
One of the more common and serious heart problems many people experience as they age

Who is a candidate for TAVR?

Most people who are told they have a heart murmur, advanced age, and other concerning health issues(Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Diabetes, COPD)
Many people who experience dyspnea and fatigue during daily living activities

The Process

Our structural heart program coordinator will ensure things are arranged correctly and at your convenience.
Heart valve testing includes:
- - TAVR CT – a CT (or CAT) scan to take specific measurements of the aortic valve
  - Heart Catheterization – this will allow your medical team to check for coronary artery disease
  - Dental clearance, please have your dentist confirm you are free from any active infections. Any dental concerns will need addressed prior to TAVR Procedure.
  - As part of the guidelines, you will see both a TAVR Cardiologist and Cardiothoracic surgeon to discuss in detail all valve replacements and what is best for you.
  - Here are some helpful documents

How it Works

The procedure is done by a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon team
TAVR allows a new valve to be inserted through a catheter rather than via open-heart surgery
The catheter is typically inserted through the leg, but can also be inserted through the arm or chest
The new valve is inserted within the diseased valve, allowing it to function properly