Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

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. 

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 Once the valve is secure, the catheter is withdrawn.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.

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