Aortic Stenosis/TAVR

What is aortic stenosis?

The aortic valve controls how blood flows from your heart into the aorta, the artery that provides blood for the rest of the body. The narrowing of this valve is a disease called aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis can reduce blood flow to the rest of your body, so to get enough blood circulating, your heart must pump harder. Over time, your heart muscle can weaken, putting you at risk for heart failure or stroke.

What causes aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis has multiple causes, including:

• A heart defect you are born with
• Calcium buildup as you age
• A childhood rheumatic fever that damaged your heart

What are symptoms of aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heart murmur
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat

How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?

Dr. Bokhari has multiple strategies to check for aortic stenosis. You may need an echocardiogram, a noninvasive ultrasound that shows your heart as it beats. Dr. Bokhari uses this test to examine your aortic valve and the rest of your heart. He might also use other imaging tests, like a CT scan, chest X-ray or MRI.

You could also have an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that measures the electrical activity in your heart. During an EKG, Dr. Bokhari places electrodes on your chest. These electrodes send information about your heart activity to a computer. You may have an EKG while at rest or during exercise in a stress test.

How is aortic stenosis treated?

If you have mild to moderate aortic stenosis, you might not need any treatment. You may be able to keep your heart healthy with diet, exercise and regular visits to Dr. Bokhari.

If you have severe aortic stenosis, Dr. Bokhari offers the latest treatment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This advanced procedure has a faster recovery time, less risk for pain and a lower chance of bleeding than traditional heart surgeries.

What’s transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgery that replaces and repairs heart valves. It works similarly to stents placed in arteries by taking over the regulation of blood flow.  

What conditions does TAVR treat?

TAVR is FDA approved for people with symptomatic aortic stenosis and for whom standard valve replacement or open heart surgery would pose too many risks. 

During TAVR, Dr. Bokhari makes a small incision in your groin. Using X-ray guidance, he then threads a catheter (a thin tube) from the artery in your groin all the way into your heart. Once the catheter is in place, he guides specialized tools through the catheter and into your aortic valve. He is able to give you a new aortic valve without a large chest incision.

For the latest treatment options for aortic stenosis, call Advanced Cardiovascular Care or schedule an appointment online.

What are heart murmurs?

Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds created by turbulence during a heartbeat cycle. They can present themselves at birth or develop over your lifetime. While a murmur isn’t a disease, it may indicate an underlying heart problem. Murmurs can also be harmless. Even so, if left untreated, they may progress into a more serious condition that needs treatment over time. Dr. Bokhari specializes in diagnosing and correcting these issues using minimally invasive heart valve replacement and repair, preventing the need for open heart surgery.  

Is TAVR risky?

TAVR is considered a safer alternative to more invasive procedures such as open heart surgery. Like all cardiovascular surgeries, though, it can cause complications such as bleeding, blood vessel problems, heartbeat abnormalities, kidney disease, heart attack, infection, valve slippage or leakage, and death. Before the procedure is done, Dr. Bokhari performs an evaluation to determine any risk factors for complications. You may also receive medication to take before the procedure to guard against infection. 

What should I expect during the procedure?

Before your TAVR treatment starts, you’ll be given medication intravenously to prevent blood clots. Throughout the procedure, your heart function and rhythm will be monitored so that any changes can be addressed. Dr. Bokhari may access your heart through a blood vessel in your leg or through a small incision in your chest, and access your heart through an artery in its bottom left chamber. He guides a catheter through your blood vessels to your heart and into your aortic valve and positions the valve in the precise spot. In some cases, an expanding balloon is used to press the valve into place. Once the valve is secure, the catheter is withdrawn.

What happens after the procedure?

Most people spend about 2-5 days to recover in the hospital, though you may spend your first night in the intensive care unit for monitoring. Blood-thinning medication will be prescribed to prevent blood clots as you heal. Dr. Bokhari goes over specific follow-up instructions with you before you return home.