What you can expect

Before the procedure

A specialist will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and may give you a medication called a sedative to help you relax. Medication to prevent blood clots may also be given through the IV. You may also receive medication to reduce the risk of infection.

Hair may be shaved off at the location on your body where the procedure will take place.

During the procedure

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) involves replacing a damaged aortic valve with one made from cow or pig heart tissue (biological tissue valve). Sometimes, the biological tissue valve is placed into an existing biological tissue valve that is no longer working.

Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement, which requires a long incision down the chest (open-heart surgery), TAVR is done using smaller incisions and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to reach the heart.

To perform TAVR, a doctor inserts a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or chest area, and guides it into the heart. Moving X-ray images or echocardiogram pictures help the doctor place the catheter into the correct position.

A replacement valve made of cow or pig tissue is passed through the hollow catheter and placed in the area of the aortic valve. A balloon on the catheter tip inflates to press the new valve into place. Some valves expand without the use of a balloon.

The doctor removes the catheter once the new valve is securely in place.

During the TAVR procedure, the treatment team will carefully monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing.

After the procedure

You may spend the night in the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring after your procedure. How long you need to stay in the hospital after TAVR depends on many things. Some people who have TAVR go home the next day.

Before you leave the hospital, your treatment team will explain how to care for any incisions and how to watch for signs and symptoms of infection. Warning signs of infection include fever, increased pain, and redness, swelling, draining or oozing at the catheter site.

Several medications may be prescribed after TAVR, including:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants). Blood-thinning medication is prescribed to prevent blood clots. Your doctor will explain how long you may need to take this medicine. Always take medications as prescribed.
• Antibiotics. Artificial heart valves can become infected with bacteria. Most bacteria that cause heart valve infections come from the bacteria in the mouth. Excellent dental hygiene, including routine dental cleanings, can help prevent these infections. Antibiotics are prescribed for use before certain dental procedures.

Regular doctor's checkups and imaging tests are needed after TAVR to make sure the new valve is working properly. Let your doctor know if you have any new or worsening signs or symptoms, including:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Swelling of the ankles
• Sudden weight gain
• Extreme tiredness with activity
• Signs or symptoms of infection

Seek emergency medical help if you have:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Severe, sudden shortness of breath
• Fainting