Why it's done

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment for aortic valve stenosis. Aortic valve stenosis — or aortic stenosis — occurs when the heart's aortic valve thickens and becomes stiff (calcifies). As a result, the valve can't fully open and blood flow to the body is reduced.

TAVR is an alternative to open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery. People who have TAVR often have a shorter hospital stay than those who have surgical aortic valve replacement.

Your doctor may recommend TAVR if you have:

• Severe aortic stenosis that causes signs and symptoms.
• A biological tissue aortic valve that isn't working as well as it should.
• Another health condition, such as lung or kidney disease, that makes open-heart valve replacement surgery too risky.