Minimally Invasive Leading-Edge Procedure
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the aortic valve.
If severe aortic stenosis is left untreated, it can be fatal. When medication management is insufficient, replacement becomes necessary. The TAVR procedure involves replacing the diseased valve with a transcatheter heart valve.
The new valve is inserted through a catheter that enters the heart from an artery—usually the femoral artery. Once in place, the new valve pushes aside the old one and attaches to the leaflets of the diseased valve to secure it in place.
Why Choose CMC?
CMC's Cardiac Experts:
- Has performed the most TAVR procedures in the state.
- Was the first community hospital in New Hampshire to offer TAVR.
- Was recognized for being one of the region’s highest ranked TAVR programs in this year’s U.S. News & World Report (2020).
If you have severe aortic stenosis, TAVR will help your heart work better. It may also shorten your recovery time to getting back to everyday activities. Quality of life studies with the SAPIEN 3 valve have shown patients being able to take care of themselves and participate in everyday activities within 30 days of the procedure.
You may need to stop taking certain medications up to one week prior to the procedure and should not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of the procedure. You should make arrangements for a ride to and from the hospital and arrange for help at home after the procedure.
The total procedure time varies from about one to two hours.
Your care team will discuss your recovery plans with you, which will include detailed instructions on diet, exercise and medicine. You may be in the hospital for several days before transitioning home. During your recovery, it is important to keep all of your follow up appointments and to call your doctor if you notice any problems after the procedure such as bleeding, pain, or other discomfort or changes in your overall health.