What is TAVR?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly, known as aortic valve stenosis. 

This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, which obstructs blood flow from your heart into your aorta and onward to the rest of your body, resulting in chest pain, fainting, fatigue, leg swelling and shortness of breath.

TAVR can relieve the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and may help those who can't undergo surgery or who have a high risk of surgical complications.

Is TAVR right for me?

During a TAVR procedure, a heart valve is inserted through the groin without -- eliminating the need to open up a patient’s chest or put them under general anesthesia. Most of our patients who undergo a TAVR procedure return home the next day. 

At St. Charles, our decision to treat aortic stenosis with TAVR is made after consultation with our multidisciplinary team of medical and surgical heart specialists who together determine the best treatment options for your individual needs.