TAVR

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure to replace an aortic valve that is narrowed and doesn't open fully. The aortic valve is between the left lower heart chamber and the body's main artery. Narrowing of the aortic valve is called aortic valve stenosis. The valve problem blocks or slows blood flow from the heart to the body.

TAVR is minimally invasive, which means it uses smaller incisions than open-heart valve surgery. It may be an option for people who can't have heart surgery to replace the aortic valve. TAVR can help reduce chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms of aortic valve stenosis.

The decision to have TAVR is made after talking with a team of heart doctors and heart surgeons. The team works together to determine the best treatment option for you.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement also may be called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).