Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is sometimes called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
TAVR can relieve the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and may improve survival in people who have severe symptoms
The procedure is also an option for people at high risk for surgery who had their aortic valve replaced in the past, but need a new one because the replacement may no longer work well. Also, for the patients who are above 60 or 70 years of age or not physically fit to undergo the surgery or prone to a surgical complication, TAVR is a lifesaver. Additionally, the complication rates of a TAVR procedure are very low.
Faster recovery time and long-term clinical benefits for patients are a few reasons for TAVR’s growing popularity.