TAVR

TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the heart's aortic valve, which obstructs blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. During TAVR, a collapsible artificial heart valve is inserted into the body via a catheter, typically through a small incision in the groin or chest, and guided to the site of the diseased aortic valve.

Once positioned correctly, the new valve is expanded, pushing aside the diseased valve leaflets and effectively replacing the narrowed valve. This restores normal blood flow and alleviates symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

TAVR is often performed on patients who are considered high risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery due to age, frailty, or other medical conditions. It offers several benefits over traditional surgery, including shorter recovery times, reduced risk of complications, and less trauma to the patient's body.

TAVR has revolutionized the treatment of aortic valve stenosis and has become a standard of care for many patients with this condition. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for TAVR, and the decision to undergo this procedure is made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary heart team consisting of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.