Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Location

Heart & Vascular Center 4802 Tenth Avenue Brooklyn, NY  12219 Map Link Phone: (718) 283-7821

Physicians and Staff

Gregory Crooke, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeon (718) 283-7686

Robert Frankel, MD Director, Interventional Cardiology (718) 283-7480

Greg Ribakove, MD Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Vice Chair, Surgery (718) 283-7686

Jacob Shani, MD Chair, Maimonides Heart & Vascular Center Director, Cardiology (718) 283-7480

What is a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a new and innovative approach to the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening). Instead of standard open heart surgery, a balloon catheter is placed in the femoral artery (in the groin) and guided into the heart. A compressed heart valve is then placed in the catheter and positioned directed inside the diseased aortic valve. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to secure the valve in place.

When is TAVR an appropriate treatment?

Also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), this procedure is for patients suffering from aortic stenosis who are considered at high risk for surgery due to advanced age or other serious illness.

The transfemoral (above the knee) approach is now approved by the FDA for patients who have severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and who are ineligible for open heart surgery.  It is not approved for patients who are eligible for traditional aortic valve surgery, patients with bicuspid aortic valves or endocarditis, or patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulation/antiplatelet medication therapy.

In clinical trials, TAVR has been shown to significantly improve survival compared to non-surgical therapy.  It also significantly improves symptoms, quality-of-life and reduces repeat hospitalizations compared to medical therapy. 

Risks

TAVR implantation has some rare but serious risks that you should know about and discuss with your physician before deciding on this procedure.

Cardiac catheterization, including implantation of the tissue aortic valve, has been associated with serious complications including heart attack, stroke and death, in a small number of patients. Other rare but serious complications include:

• Pain, bleeding or bruising where the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery.
• Disruption of the electrical system of the heart, which may require treatment with a pacemaker.
• Leaking of the aortic valve allowing some blood flow in the reverse direction.

Contact Us

If you have questions about TAVR implantation and how it can help you, please call us at (718) 283-7821 or by e-mail at TAVR@maimonidesmed.org.