What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Severe Aortic Stenosis. This procedure uses a catheter to implant a new valve within your diseased heart valve. This procedure can be performed through multiple approaches; the most common approach is Transfemoral, which is a small incision in the leg.
For more information regarding TAVR and a video of the procedure, you can visit www.newheartvalve.com.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 1, the new valve is placed on the delivery system with a balloon at the end. The new valve is compressed on the balloon.
Image 2, once the delivery system reaches the diseased valve, the balloon is then inflated which expands the new valve.
Image 3, the new valve will open and close as a normal functioning aortic valve should.
Benefits of TAVR
- Improvement in quality of life
- Reduction in symptoms and improved heart function
- Ability to return to enjoyable activities
- Less invasive with minimal scarring
- Shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic Stenosis occurs when the aortic valve in the heart narrows and this reduces blood flow from your heart into the rest of your body. The decreased blood flow along with the heart working harder to pump blood can cause symptoms. Common symptoms of aortic stenosis are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and decline in activity level.
The Valve Clinic at St. Clair
We have a multidisciplinary team comprised of a cardiothoracic surgeon, interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. The patient will be evaluated by the cardiothoracic surgeon and interventional cardiologist and preoperative testing will be completed. The physicians will then present the information to the team to determine the best treatment options for the patient.
To schedule an appointment at the valve clinic please call 412.942.8258.
Dunlap Family Outpatient Center:
1000 Bower Hill Road
7th Floor, Suite 7400
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
F: 412.942.3749