Your Heart Valve Procedure: What To Expect and FAQs for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
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If you have aortic stenosis, you may be a candidate for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive way to fix the aortic valve without open heart surgery
Treating aortic stenosis with TAVR can greatly improve your overall quality of life and add years to your lifespan.
Advantages of TAVR:
- Small incision
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Reduced symptoms
Before Your Procedure
Our team will ask about your symptoms and may schedule you for the following tests on the same day:
- Echo, an ultrasound of the heart
- CT scan to assess your vascular anatomy
- Blood work (no fasting required), EKG, and urine test
You may need a cardiac catheterization to check for coronary artery disease
Your case will be reviewed during our weekly meeting. We will share our recommendations within 2 days of the meeting.
The Procedure
Your procedure will be done in an operating room or the cardiac cath lab. It’s typically done under moderate sedation but general anesthesia is sometimes required.
TAVR is performed through the groin. A catheter is placed into a large artery which reaches up to the heart. The new valve is implanted within your diseased valve. The TAVR becomes a permanent part of your heart, allowing blood to flow forward through the aorta.
On average, the procedure lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours
After Your Procedure
You’ll still be sleepy as the sedation medicine wears off. You’ll likely be out of bed 4-6 hours of monitoring and go home the next day.
Symptoms will start to improve immediately. You’ll follow up with your cardiologist once you are discharged from the hospital. You will be asked to limit strenuous activity for at least 30 days.
You will need antibiotics for dental procedures to avoid potential infection.
TAVR Heart Valve Procedure FAQs
Q: What is the TAVR valve made of?
There are several FDA approved TAVR valves currently on the market and available for use. While they all differ in some way to meet certain anatomic needs, they are all made from animal tissue and sit in a metal frame. A CT scan will determine which valve size and type is most appropriate for you.
Q: Are there any complications?
TAVR is considered a safe procedure, but there are risks, which include: stroke, bleeding due to vascular injury or trauma, abnormal heart rhythm, and permanent pacemaker placement.
Q: How long will the TAVR valve last?
Because the procedure is relatively new, doctors are not sure how long a replaced TAVR valve will last. Research suggests the valve typically lasts about 10 years. If the valve were to fail, our doctors can replace it either with a surgical valve or a new TAVR valve inserted inside the old one.
Q: Can the TAVR valve crush, bend, or move out of place?
Deformation or movement is possible but rare.
Q: What kind of restrictions will I have after my TAVR?
Rest and take it easy the first few days after and have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Do not use alcohol, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after discharge. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs) for at least one week. Do not drive for 1 week after your procedure. No sexual activity for 2 weeks.
Q: Is TAVR covered by insurance?
Yes.
Need a TAVR Heart Valve Surgeon?
At NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, our cardiac surgeons are world-leaders in heart valve procedures.
If you or a loved one want our experts on your side, call (212) 305-2633 or use our appointment request form.