Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
A national leader in the heart of the Midwest
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
A national leader in the heart of the Midwest
If you have damage to your aortic valves, your doctor may recommend transcatheter aortic valve replacement to help get your heart back on the right beat.
As pioneers in this minimally invasive procedure, we’ve helped thousands of people regain their heart valve function, their energy and the lives they love.
What is the TAVR heart procedure?
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement i(TAVR) procedure is used to treat heart valve disease like aortic stenosis without open heart surgery, offering fewer risks and complications. Aortic stenosis occurs when your heart valve is too narrow or stiff due to calcium buildup and blood can’t flow freely through the valve. This condition can make it hard to breathe and can become life-threatening.
Because TAVR is minimally invasive, the risk of major complications is lower and your hospital stay tends to be shorter. This makes TAVR an ideal option for older adults compared to the recovery time for open heart surgery.
Prior to surgery, your doctor may request tests including:
- Cardiac catheterization: Checks for blockages in the blood vessels of the heart
- CT scan: Checks your chest and abdomen to help our team choose the right size of replacement valve
- Lab testing: Checks your kidney function, liver function, blood count, urine, thyroid function and blood type in case a transfusion is needed during your surgery
You'll also see your primary care doctor or cardiologist for personalized guidelines to prepare for surgery including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- How to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
You’ll arrive at the hospital two hours prior to surgery. Before surgery, you’ll receive a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep so you won’t feel any pain.
The TAVR procedure takes place in our hybrid cardiac catheterization lab and lasts about an hour, less time than open heart surgery.
During a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, your surgeon threads a catheter through your groin and inserts a replacement aortic valve to the site of the damaged aortic valve using the catheter. After the new aortic valve is put in place, it starts to take over the work of the damaged valve and regulate blood flow on its own.
Most likely you’ll stay in the hospital for one to three days after surgery. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.
During your stay, you’ll work with physical and occupational therapists and our cardiac rehabilitation staff to increase your strength and mobility.
You’ll most likely receive a blood thinner, such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix®), that you’ll keep taking until your doctor says it’s OK to stop.
Typically, you’ll be able to go home once you:
- Have a stable blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm
- Can walk safely
- No longer need oxygen
You can expect about a one-week recovery period after surgery. You should be able to walk, do daily chores and drive again a few days after you get home.
Placing your trust in our team
People from around eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois choose our hospitals and clinics for our track record of safety and excellence. You can feel confident with our:
- National ranking: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our heart program among the best in the country. We’re dedicated to improving and transforming heart care.
- Top team: Our top TAVR surgeons and cardiologists work together to perform complex procedures that are less invasive. This team approach can result in better experiences and superior results after surgery.
- Latest treatments: We’re leaders in clinical trials and cardiovascular research to study the latest treatment methods.
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