Aortic valve stenosis affects millions of elderly adults worldwide. As the valve becomes thick and calcified, the heart works harder to pump blood, causing severe fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain.
TAVR offers a catheter-based alternative for selected people. A replacement valve is guided to the heart, most often through an artery in the groin, and positioned inside the narrowed valve. It avoids opening the breastbone, but it is still a major heart procedure that needs careful planning and follow-up.
When a valve team considers TAVR
Symptoms, echocardiogram findings, overall health and the anatomy of the valve and blood vessels all matter. A cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and wider valve team may review imaging and discuss whether TAVR or surgical valve replacement is the better fit for the individual.
What the assessment usually includes
- An echocardiogram to measure the severity of aortic stenosis
- CT imaging to assess valve and blood-vessel anatomy
- A review of symptoms, other health conditions and daily activity
- A discussion of benefits, possible risks and the follow-up plan
Recovery and follow-up
Hospital stay and recovery vary with age, overall health and the procedure itself. Follow-up with a cardiologist remains important after either TAVR or surgery so the replacement valve and heart function can be monitored over time.
Your questions, answered
No. The choice between TAVR and surgery is individual. A valve team considers the severity of valve disease, anatomy, age, other health conditions and the long-term treatment plan.
