Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Innovative, minimally invasive procedure to treat severe aortic stenosis
As a prominent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program in the state of Indiana, our team is trusted to guide you through this complex medical innovation.
Our TAVR program serves as a state and regional referral resource for the most complex patient population.
TAVR is a less invasive, catheter-based technique for replacing your diseased aortic valve if you are considered high-risk for traditional open heart surgery. Your team at IU Health will include interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and anesthesiologists.
During the procedure, your surgeon and cardiologist will place a new aortic valve into your diseased valve. They will assess the new valve using echocardiography at the end of the procedure to be certain that it is working properly.
For the TAVR procedure, you can expect a full exam. This will include:
- Pre-operative echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT Angiogram
- Appointments with two cardiac surgeons for your case review
Our TAVR team discusses each patient to decide the best option for you. Since this procedure is less invasive than traditional open heart surgery, you can expect a short hospital stay and quicker return to activities.
What to Expect
TAVR is a less invasive, catheter-based technique for replacing your diseased aortic valve if you are considered high-risk for traditional open heart surgery. Your team at IU Health will include interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and anesthesiologists.
During the procedure, your surgeon and cardiologist will place a new aortic valve into your diseased valve. They will assess the new valve using echocardiography at the end of the procedure to be certain that it is working properly.
For the TAVR procedure, you can expect a full exam. This will include:
- Pre-operative echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT Angiogram
- Appointments with two cardiac surgeons for your case review
Our TAVR team discusses each patient to decide the best option for you. Since this procedure is less invasive than traditional open heart surgery, you can expect a short hospital stay and quicker return to activities.
Your first visit with the cardiac surgeon and/or cardiologist may take several hours due to the various testing needs.
Preparing for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Your first visit with the cardiac surgeon and/or cardiologist may take several hours due to the various testing needs.
You will be assessed in the surgeon’s office about two weeks after you leave the hospital. Once released from the surgeon’s care, your cardiologist will resume care of your heart health needs.
After Your Procedure
You will be assessed in the surgeon’s office about two weeks after you leave the hospital. Once released from the surgeon’s care, your cardiologist will resume care of your heart health needs.
When meeting with your provider, here are some questions to ask before a TAVR procedure:
- What is the durability of the valve?
- What are my risks associated with TAVR vs. open heart surgery?
- What can I expect for my symptom improvement?
Questions to Ask Your Provider
When meeting with your provider, here are some questions to ask before a TAVR procedure:
- What is the durability of the valve?
- What are my risks associated with TAVR vs. open heart surgery?
- What can I expect for my symptom improvement?