The heart never takes a break. The heart is a strong muscle that never stops exercising, not for a minute. Every minute it needs blood, nourishment and oxygen. At Amarillo Heart Institute, we understand the importance of keeping your heart healthy and functioning at its best. We believe that a healthy heart is the foundation of a healthy life, and our goal is to provide you with all you need to achieve optimal heart health, a happier heart.

Trasncatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased or damaged aortic valve in the heart. The aortic valve is responsible for regulating blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, and when it is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

TAVR is performed using a catheter that is inserted through a small incision in the groin or chest and guided to the heart. The catheter carries a new valve to the site of the damaged valve, where it is expanded to replace the old valve.

Characteristics of TAVR procedure

Minimally invasive procedure: Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR does not require the chest to be opened, and the procedure is performed through a small incision in the groin or chest.
Performed under local anesthesia: TAVR is usually performed with local anesthesia and conscious sedation, which means the patient is awake during the procedure but feels no pain.
Reserved for high-risk patients: TAVR is generally used for patients who are considered high-risk for traditional open-heart surgery due to age, overall health, or other medical conditions.
Short recovery time: Because TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure, patients typically experience a shorter recovery time and may be able to leave the hospital within a few days of the procedure.
Effective: Multiple clinical studies have shown that TAVR is a safe and effective alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for certain patients with aortic valve disease.
Not suitable for all patients: TAVR is not suitable for all patients with aortic valve disease, and the decision to undergo the procedure should be made on an individual basis after a careful evaluation by a team of healthcare professionals.
Follow-up care: Like any other medical procedure, TAVR requires follow-up care to ensure that the new valve is functioning properly and to monitor for any potential complications.

TAVR procedure at Amarillo Heart Institute

At the Amarillo Heart Institute, our experienced physicians have successfully carried out over 300 TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) procedures. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and the latest treatment options to our patients with heart valve disease. As a leading provider of TAVRs, we partner with Edwards, a trusted and innovative medical device company, to ensure our patients have access to the most advanced technology available. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and using the latest techniques and technology has made us a trusted destination for those seeking treatment for heart valve disease.

TAVR typically involves the following steps:

The patient is given local anesthesia and conscious sedation to keep them comfortable during the procedure.
A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or chest and guided up to the heart.
The new valve, which is folded into a small, tube-like shape, is placed on a balloon and guided to the site of the diseased valve.
The balloon is inflated, which pushes the new valve into place and expands it to fit snugly against the walls of the aorta.
The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the new valve in place to regulate blood flow.