Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive way to repair a faulty aortic valve without removing it and without undergoing open-heart surgery.
TAVR offers new hope to people with severe aortic stenosis who aren’t safe candidates for open-heart surgery due to coexisting medical conditions.
What Happens During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
The surgeon performing a TAVR procedure makes a small incision in the groin and uses sophisticated imaging technology to guide a tiny, hollow tube called a catheter through your blood vessel.
A deflated balloon with an artificial valve wrapped around it is attached to the catheter. Once it’s in position near the aortic valve, the surgeon inflates the balloon to gently nudge the faulty valve out of the way and replace it with the artificial valve. The surgeon then removes the balloon and the catheter. The new valve remains open permanently to allow normal blood flow.
Patients are awake during this painless procedure, which takes 90 minutes to two hours. Because TAVR is minimally invasive, patients experience less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery than those who undergo open-heart surgery. Most patients leave the hospital within a day or two and can return to regular activities within three or four days.
Our Vascular Specialists
The combination of expert surgeons, advanced technology and breadth of heart care services is what makes Hackensack Meridian Health a trusted choice for patients and families in New Jersey.
Why Trust Hackensack Meridian Health With Your Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
Hackensack Meridian Health is nationally ranked for our expertise in aortic valve surgery, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Thousands of Hackensack Meridian Health patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis have benefitted from TAVR as an alternative to surgery.
Patient Story
The heart team recommended the TAVR procedure for Rosa as an appropriate treatment rather than open heart surgery. The family was relieved that the TAVR procedure was an option. “It was a lot better because my mom was scared. Open heart surgery can be a risky procedure,” Rosa’s daughter, Maryluz says.
Excellence
Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center were among the first in NJ to perform TAVR.
Quality
Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center ranked as High Performing hospitals in Aortic Valve Surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Hackensack University Medical Center also ranked among the top hospitals in the country for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery programs, and was named the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.
Patient Experience
Every member of your care team is focused on getting you back to living the life you love.
Who Benefits Most From TAVR?
You may be a candidate for TAVR if you have any of the following:
- Aortic stenosis that causes signs and symptoms;
- Considered ineligible for open-heart surgery or aortic valve replacement by a cardiac surgeon;
- A low, intermediate or high risk of complications from open-heart surgery;
- Kidney or lung disease;
- A malfunctioning biological tissue valve.
Find a Location for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Heart Care Services
- Advanced Cardiac Imaging
- Angioscreen
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
- Cardiac Stress Test
- Cardio-Oncology
- Cardiogenic Shock Management
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
- CT Calcium Scoring
- Echocardiogram
- Electrophysiology
- Heart Failure
- HeartFlow Analysis
- Screenings, Prevention and Diagnostics
- Heart Surgery Options
- Hypertension
- Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
- MitraClip
- Pacemaker Implantation
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Robotic Heart Surgery
- Structural and Congenital Heart Disease
- TAVR
- TCAR Procedure
- Valve Surgery
- Vascular Care
- Watchman