Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a catheter-guided implantation of a replacement aortic valve using echocardiography through an artery leading to the heart.
September 15, 2022
TAVR procedure helps patient breathe easy
IU Health Arnett Hospital
Martha Fletcher is usually on the go but noticed recently that she was falling short of breath. "When I was out walking, particularly up hills, I was finding that I would have to stop and catch my breath," said Martha.
After some investigation, her primary care doctor referred her to the heart valve team at IU Health Arnett where experts determined she was a good candidate for a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
"Until three or four years ago this procedure was available mostly in big cities at the bigger hospitals, but these patients are everywhere," said Dr. Mohammad Hoque, an interventional cardiologist who brought the procedure to Arnett. "Our patients don't need to travel to big places and our outcomes are as good as any of those big places."
Related Services
Aortic Valve Stenosis
This condition occurs when the aortic valve of the heart is not working properly due to its shape or size.
Endocarditis
This bacterial infection or fungi infection affects the lining of your heart and may cause serious damage.
Decline in Function
Decline in function happens when the combination of normal aging and chronic conditions affect your organs in a negative way.
