Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Severe aortic stenosis can’t wait. The least invasive option for aortic valve replacement is the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. TAVR is also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and percutaneous aortic valve replacement.

During this procedure, the replacement valve is delivered by a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter moves from a small incision in the groin through an artery to the heart.

The Team Approach to TAVR

When you come to Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center, you’re putting your heart in the hands of multispecialty team dedicated to providing the best solutions for your unique needs. Our valve team includes:

• Cardiologists
• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Interventional cardiologists
• Nurse navigators
• Radiologists

If you have severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis, you may be a good candidate for TAVR. Other factors that determine candidacy include:

• Age
• Heart condition
• Overall health
• Personal goals

Using your history, tests and two specialized CT images, the valve team works together to decide if you’re a good candidate for TAVR. Both the surgeon and the interventional cardiologist must agree.

During the procedure, if something changes, your surgical team is prepared to change to a minimally invasive or open surgical option.

The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to talk with your cardiologist and our valve team. We will also work with your health insurance to help you understand your coverage and costs. Call us at 503-257-0959.

Benefits of TAVR

Because TAVR requires a tiny incision instead of open-heart surgery, it comes with many benefits. These include:

• Shorter surgery and hospital stay
• Less pain
• Lower risk of infection
• Minimal lifting restrictions during recovery

Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center surgeons are able to replace most aortic valves with either TAVR or minimally invasive surgery. TAVR is the least invasive option. It can be good choice for active patients and those at too high a risk for minimally invasive surgery or open-chest surgery.

The TAVR Heart Team

Thomas Molloy, MD
Medical director, cardiac surgery

Daniel Feldman, MD
Interventional cardiology, structural heart

Michael Kilbourne, MD
Cardiac surgery

Chad Carr, MD
Cardiology

Andrea Lamprecht, RN
Structural heart program coordinator

Danielle Pollard, MA
Structural heart program coordinator

Your care team also includes cardiac-trained:

• Cardiologists
• Nurses
• Physician assistants
• Radiology technologists

To learn more about our team approach to aortic valve repair and replacement, call us at 503-257-0959.