Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Here at Stockton Cardiology, we specialize in providing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures, a process for those suffering from severe aortic valve stenosis. TAVR is a procedure that’s less invasive than heart valve replacement.
About the Procedure
If you have a damaged aortic valve, TAVR is a relatively simple procedure that involves using a catheter to place a replacement valve that is wedged into the current valve. Depending on the diagnosis, a TAVR procedure may be performed in one of two ways:
- A cardiologist may insert the catheter through the femoral artery; an incision into the patient’s chest is not required.
- A surgeon may make a small incision in the chest and access the damaged valve through a chest artery or the left ventricle of the heart.
Are There Risks Involved?
As with any cardiac procedure, there are risks. However, unlike open heart surgeries, a sternotomy isn’t required—instead of surgically opening the chest, only small openings are required to guide the catheter to the damaged valve. That may mean less recovery time and pain than other, more invasive procedures.
Speak with your cardiologist to determine whether or not TAVR is the right treatment for your unique situation, or to learn about the risks that are involved..
Count on Stockton Cardiology
If you’ve been referred to Stockton Cardiology, we’ll work with you to assess your current situation, and we’ll establish a plan of action that’s suitable for your cardiac problem.
We utilize state of the art technology and tried and true techniques to perform Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement procedures.
If you’re curious about TAVR procedures, or if you want to learn more about our clinic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We provide a variety of cardiology treatments in Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, and San Andreas.