Treatment for Severe Aortic Stenosis
Severe aortic stenosis is a mechanical problem caused by the accumulation of calcium on the valve that causes it to become progressively narrowed and stiff. The aortic valve is the main exit out of the heart for oxygenated blood. Only a mechanical fix, the replacement of the diseased valve, can cure this disease. With the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure, many of the patients who were previously deemed too high risk to undergo surgery can have their aortic valves replaced. The TAVR procedure uses small incisions in the blood vessels in the patient’s legs to reach and replace the aortic valve instead of incisions in their chests (open heart surgery).
Evaluation for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Treatment
An evaluation for TAVR begins with an extensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of each patient. The visits include education and discussions about the technical aspects of the TAVR procedure including:
- How TAVR is different from open heart aortic valve replacement
- What may be gained gain from having your valve replaced
- Who is a good candidate for this procedure
- What you may expect post TAVR.
To prepare for the procedure, your aortic valve, coronary arteries and the blood vessels used for access are evaluated for appropriateness. Our TAVR team then meets to evaluate the study results and put together an individualized plan for the procedure. If you wish to proceed with the procedure, it can usually be scheduled within the week. Patients are usually hospitalized for four to six days after the procedure.
For more information on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), please call 856.296.6516.