A cardiologist holds a stethoscope to check her patient's heart rate and rhythm.

What is transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure for patients with aortic valve stenosis who are not eligible for open-heart surgery. This FDA-approved treatment repairs the abnormally narrow aortic valve without removing the damaged valve.

Pioneers in TAVR

In addition to being one of the first in the world to perform percutaneous valve replacement under local anesthesia, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center physicians have pioneered and popularized TAVR fast-track protocols that allow for a same-day procedure under local anesthesia with next-day discharge.

As an international leader in redefining percutaneous valve repair, patients worldwide come to our hospital for these procedures every day. We’ve expanded this offering to St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital to provide another treatment option to high-risk patients closer to home.

What are the benefits of TAVR?

Faster recovery
Minimal scarring
Reduced hospital stays
Lower risk of complications

Who is a candidate for TAVR?

You have symptoms caused by aortic stenosis.

You are not a candidate for surgical aortic valve replacement or you’re at high risk for surgery.

What are the risk factors for TAVR?

Damage to your blood vessels
Bleeding
Decreased blood supply to your brain, causing a stroke
Heart attack
Kidney failure
Collection of fluid around your heart
Leaking of the replacement valve

How does the TAVR procedure work?

Learn about transcatheter aortic valve replacements from Dr. Robert Aertker and Lorrie Pool. Together, they share the benefits and intricacies of this minimally invasive procedure to give you a better understanding.