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Understanding the TAVR Procedure
Understanding the TAVR ProcedureAortic valve disease is a serious condition that can lead to serious symptoms and if left untreated may causeheart failure.For many patients, the best treatment is to replace a damaged aortic valve with a new mechanical valve.This may be done as regular open-heart surgery, or you may be a candidate for a procedure calledtranscatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR.TAVR is a newer procedure that is minimally invasive which means it is easier for the patient, with an easierrecovery and less time spent in the hospital.It is a good option for patients who have limited choices for repair or may not be candidates for open heartsurgery because of the risks.“The advantage for the patient is the simplicity-- not simplicity but the less complex procedure, shorterhospital stay, shorter recovery and things like that.”When you are ready to have your TAVR procedure, you will be admitted to the hospital. Before arriving, it’simportant to follow all of your pre-procedure instructions.In some cases, you may be given a general anesthetic during the procedure and be completely unconscious.Or you may be awake during the procedure and given a local pain medicine. This will depend on your doctor’srecommendations.“I was in the middle area, or maybe I like to think I was more awake than I truly was, but it seemed togo very well and a lot of people involved, and it was so well-done it was literally painless.”To perform the valve replacement, the doctor will make a small incision, usually in your leg or chest. This iswhere the catheter carrying the new valve will be inserted.Once the catheter is inside your blood vessel, it will be carefully guided into your heart and next to your aorticvalve.Throughout this operation, your doctor will view what’s going on through a special screen that makes itpossible to see exactly what’s happening.When the catheter is in place, the new valve is carefully moved into position. Then the catheter is inflated like aballoon. This expands the valve into place.The old valve is not actually removed during this procedure. Instead, the new replacement valve is placedinside the old valve.Once the new valve is firmly attached in place, the catheter is taken out through the same incision.“We typically see our patients back in a week to make sure all the sites look all okay and patients arefeeling well and make sure there’s no surprises.”This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57383A EN UnderstandingTheTAVRProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Understanding the TAVR ProcedureThe TAVR procedure has an excellent safety record. And because it is minimally invasive, it can be performedon people who are older and less healthy, often resulting in a major improvement of their symptoms and qualityof life.If you have questions about your TAVR procedure, make sure to ask your physician and follow all of yourinstructions to make your procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57383A EN UnderstandingTheTAVRProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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