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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Name: Kootenai Health
Price range: $

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Advanced valve replacement, backed by a full heart program.

Aortic stenosis occurs when your heart's primary valve narrows, forcing the muscle to work harder and causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.

Within our nationally recognized Heart & Vascular program at Kootenai Health, valve disease is evaluated by an integrated team of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons working together to determine the safest path forward. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is one option, but not the default. We carefully assess whether TAVR, surgical valve replacement (SAVR), or medical therapy is right for you based on your anatomy, risk level, and long-term outcomes.

Team-Based Review

Cardiologists and surgeons review every case

Interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons review your case together, confirming the right approach to reduce risk and align with national best practices.

Precision-guided cardiac care

Advanced care, powered by innovation

TAVR is performed with real-time imaging, cardiac anesthesia, and on-site surgical support—enabling immediate response and enhanced safety for complex cases.

Individual Plan

Based on your condition and risks

Detailed scans, heart catheterization, and specialist consults guide every decision so your treatment plan fits your condition, your risks and your long-term goals.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

Talk with our Structural Heart team to see if TAVR is right for you.

Learn More About The Structural Heart Program (208) 416-9153

Is TAVR Right for You?

How TAVR works

TAVR replaces your diseased valve through a small incision in the groin or neck, avoiding the need for traditional open-heart surgery. Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, your doctor places a new valve, attached to a balloon device, directly inside the diseased valve. Once the replacement valve is secured, it begins working immediately to restore healthy blood flow.

Who is a Candidate?

You may be evaluated for TAVR if you:

Have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis
Experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or chest pain
Have other health conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, or COPD
Have been told you have a heart murmur and need further evaluation

While originally for high-risk cases, this minimally invasive option is now available to a wider range of patients. Our team evaluates your specific needs to determine if TAVR, traditional surgery, or medical monitoring offers you the safest and most effective path forward.

Benefits of Procedure

Minimally invasive (no traditional open-heart incision)

New valve begins working immediately
Typical hospital stay of 1–2 nights
Often allows return to light activity within the first week

Some patients notice symptom improvement quickly; for others it occurs gradually over weeks to months.

Risks to Consider

As with any heart procedure, TAVR carries potential risks. Your care team will review your individual risk profile in detail and ensure you understand all options before proceeding.

TAVR is an FDA-approved procedure, and decisions are made using established national guidelines and careful case review.

What to Expect

Evaluation

Day of Procedure

After the Procedure

The Process

The first step is an evaluation, which may include:

Echocardiogram – ultrasound to evaluate valve function
TAVR CT scan – detailed imaging to size the valve and map blood vessels
Angiogram (heart catheterization) – to evaluate coronary arteries
Dental clearance – to ensure no active infections before valve replacement
Consults with both a TAVR cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon

Once the team determines TAVR is appropriate:

Insurance approval – authorization is completed
Outpatient pre-procedure testing – may include blood work, urine sample, chest X-ray, and EKG
Nurse-practioner pre-appointment – review medications and procedure instructions.

What to Bring

Take only the specific medications directed by your pre-procedural nurse and bring a current list of your medications.
Remove all jewelry and leave all valuables at home.
If you use glasses, dentures, hearing aids, or a CPAP machine, please bring them with you.

The Process

Check in at the Heart Center and you’ll be placed in a room in the Holding area.
You’ll change into a gown, have vitals taken and IV started.
Body hair will be clipped and body cleansed with CHG wipes (skin cleaner).
An anesthesiologist places an arterial line.
When prep is completed, family members can accompany you before moving to the OR.
The procedure begins; the average time is between 90-120 minutes.

In the Hospital

Recovery happens in the Heart Center Holding area.
Strict bed rest for six hours. Staff will monitor your puncture sites closely.
After two hours post procedure, you will be transferred to a hospital room.
Anticipate one to two nights in the hospital, working on early ambulation, and working with staff to assist with discharge goals.

Recovering at Home

Review medications and make sure you pick up any new prescriptions. If you need refills, be sure to let our team know.
Within the first week, attempt light activities like working on the computer, playing cards or five-minute walks.
You may shower when you get home. Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool until your incisions are healed. Wash your incisions with mild, unscented soap and water. Pat to dry, do not scrub.
You may feel tired, have a loss of appetite and trouble sleeping after your procedure.
When sitting or lying down, elevate your legs when possible.
Expect to have up and down days emotionally and physically for a while after your procedure.
Each patient is different. Some notice that symptoms are better right away while others gradually feel better over a few months and for some people it can be even longer.
It is normal to have some bruising or purplish decolorization at the access site. This may spread and change color as it heals.

Most patients are able to return to light activity within the first week. Your care team will guide you on what’s appropriate for you.

Need Help?

Questions About Your Visit?

Call the Structural Heart Team: (208) 416-9153

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

MyChart Patient Portal

View test results and medical history anytime.

Need Portal Setup Help?

Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TAVR right for everyone?

No. Some patients are better candidates for surgical valve replacement or medical management. Your team will review all options.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically 90–120 minutes.

Will I need follow-up care?

Yes. Follow-up includes:

Primary care visit one week after discharge
One-month echocardiogram and visit
One-year follow-up

Cardiac rehabilitation may also be recommended.