Transcatheter aortic valve replacement

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If your aortic valves are damaged, your doctor might recommend transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. Our team of experts is one of the most experienced in Illinois in this minimally invasive procedure, which offers a highly effective alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.


What is the TAVR heart procedure?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is used to treat valve and structural heart conditions, including aortic stenosis, without open heart surgery. Aortic stenosis occurs when your heart valve becomes narrow or stiff due to calcium buildup and blood can’t flow freely. This condition makes it difficult for you to breathe and can become life-threatening.

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that can lower your risk of major complications. You’ll also recover faster and have a shorter hospital stay. This may make TAVR an ideal option for you instead of open heart surgery.

Prior to your TAVR heart procedure, you’ll receive personalized guidance to prepare. This may include:

  • Coming in for a cardiac catheterization, CT scan or other lab tests
  • Not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
  • Any medications you may need to stop taking
  • Answering your questions and concerns

During a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, your surgeon will make a small incision and using a catheter, insert a replacement valve at the site of the damaged aortic valve. We position the new valve over your old valve, where it expands to full size and immediately takes over the work of the damaged valve, regulating blood flow on its own.

You’ll stay in the hospital for one to three days after your TAVR procedure. You should be able to go home once your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are stable, and you no longer need oxygen.

During your hospital stay, we’ll help increase your strength and mobility with cardiac rehabilitation.

Once you’re home, wait a few days before resuming your daily chores and driving.

Why choose Advocate Heart Institute for TAVR?

At Advocate Heart Institute, you can feel confident with our expert cardiology care. Together, our large, multidisciplinary team of specialists offer unmatched:

  • Experience: We have one of the top cardiac programs in the U.S. Performing more than 20,000 procedures every year, our cardiology teams have experience with all types of procedures and all types of conditions.
  • Quality: Our safety-first culture permeates everything we do. We participate in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry that benchmarks our outcomes against other programs. Our high ratings mean fewer complications and better results.
  • Teamwork: Working closely together, our cardiologists, surgeons, electrophysiologists and other specialists develop a customized treatment plan that’s just right for you.
  • Technology: We offer the latest programs and treatments that you may not find elsewhere in the area. Cardiology technology changes rapidly, and we continuously upgrade our equipment and learn the latest, most advanced techniques. And we participate in cutting-edge research and clinical trials to ensure access to the newest innovations.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and find answers to your questions about transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

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