What is TAVR?
What is TAVR?TAVR, which stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment to replace a diseased aortic valve. The aortic valve is the crucial point of release for the heart, controlling the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. When this valve becomes stiff and narrowed (a condition called aortic stenosis), it forces the heart to strain to pump blood, which can lead to life-threatening issues.
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the TAVR procedure does not require opening the chest. Instead, our heart specialists deliver a new, artificial valve to the heart using a long, thin tube (catheter), typically inserted through a small incision in the leg. Once positioned inside the old, diseased valve, the new valve is expanded, immediately taking over the job of controlling blood flow.
Who is a Candidate for TAVR?
Initially, TAVR was developed for patients who were considered too frail or high-risk for open-heart surgery. Now, the benefits of the TAVR procedure are available to many more patients, including those at intermediate and even low risk for surgery. Our team of cardiologists and surgeons will carefully review your unique medical condition to determine if TAVR is the best option for you.
When considering TAVR vs. open-heart surgery, we look at several factors, including:
- Your age and overall health
- The specifics of your valve disease
- Other medical conditions
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we are national leaders in offering TAVR surgery to help ensure the safest and most effective outcome for every patient.
What is Recovery Like After Mitral Valve Repair or TAVR?
One of the biggest advantages of modern, minimally invasive mitral valve repair and TAVR is the significantly easier and faster recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
| Procedure | Incision Type | Hospital Stay | Return to Normal Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAVR (Aortic Valve) | Very small incision, usually in the leg | 1 to 3 days | Within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair | Small incisions on the side of the chest | 3 to 5 days | Within 2 to 4 weeks |
| Traditional Open-Heart Surgery (Mitral/Aortic) | Large incision, breastbone opened | 5 to 7 days | 6 to 8 weeks |
Neither the TAVR procedure nor the minimally invasive mitral valve repair requires opening the breastbone; therefore, patients experience:
- Less Pain: A significant reduction in pain after the first few days, requiring less medication.
- Quicker Mobility: You are usually encouraged to get up and walk within 24 hours.
- Faster Return to Life: You can return to driving, lifting, and work much sooner.
How is a TAVR Performed?
How is a TAVR Performed?TAVR is an alternative to traditional heart valve replacement requiring open-heart surgery. Since TAVR is done through tiny openings, all chest bones are left in place, and there are no large incisions.
The procedure is completed as follows:
- Surgeons insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through a small incision in the patient's leg or groin. These blood vessels can also be accessed through the stomach area, chest, neck, or collarbone.
- Surgeons guide the catheter containing a replacement valve to the heart and carefully position the new device securely within the old valve.
- The catheter is removed once the new valve has been checked for leaks or other problems.
The TAVR procedure is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, and patients may be discharged from the hospital within 48 hours.
NewYork-Presbyterian physicians were the principal investigators of the national clinical trials establishing the effectiveness of this minimally invasive procedure.
Thanks to the transformative work of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian at the Structural Heart & Valve Center, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has progressed dramatically in terms of device technologies and patient selection.
Why Choose NewYork-Presbyterian for Heart Valve Surgery?
Why Choose NewYork-PresbyterianWhen you’re facing a decision between treatment options like TAVR vs open-heart surgery, you need a hospital that handles high volumes of complex cases with proven, excellent results.
Here at NewYork-Presbyterian, our Heart Valve Program is known nationally for innovation and superior, patient-centered care.
Receive a TAVR at NewYork-Presbyterian
For patients with severe aortic stenosis, an appointment with a New York-Presbyterian cardiologist or cardiac surgeon is an important first step. A consultation with one of NewYork-Presbyterian's cardiac specialists will determine if a TAVR is the correct procedure.
With more top heart doctors that any other hospital in the country, NewYork-Presbyterian's cardiac team provide world-renowned cardiovascular care for both adults and children. Cardiac surgery, including TAVR, is only one of many reasons to turn to New York-Presbyterian for matters of the heart.
NewYork-Presbyterian's cardiac specialists are currently performing more than 500 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) cases per year, with 70% of our patients discharged in two days or less.