Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for valve surgery

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) offers new hope for patients with aortic stenosis who are unable to undergo traditional open-heart surgery due to high-risk or complicated health conditions. This groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure is available at The Heart Hospital at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where our expert team focuses on improving every patient’s quality of life. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Pioneering TAVR in Southeast Georgia

The Valve Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital was the first facility in southeast Georgia to offer the TAVR procedure, establishing our commitment to leading-edge heart care. Our clinic is dedicated to providing extraordinary outcomes for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery, giving them a new lease on life.

How TAVR works

TAVR is a less invasive procedure than traditional open-heart surgery. It uses a catheter inserted through the leg or chest to place a new prosthetic valve while the heart continues to beat. This procedure is indicated for patients with aortic stenosis—a narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow—who have increased surgical risk due to other medical conditions.

The procedure

During the procedure, you will receive either General Anesthesia or Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). A small incision will be made, and specialists insert a sheath – a short, hollow tube—into your vessel. A balloon is guided through the sheath and inflated at your aortic valve to open the narrowed valve in a process called balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

The new heart valve is then guided through the sheath and expanded, pushing aside the diseased valve’s leaflets and allowing immediate function. Once the new valve is verified to work correctly, the sheath is removed, and the incision is closed.

Aftercare and recovery

Following your TAVR procedure, our experienced nursing staff will closely monitor you in the Coronary Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Most patients are discharged within 1-2 days, depending on their needs. Many patients report feeling better quickly, but following your specialists' instructions regarding medications, diet and activity levels and attending all follow-up appointments is essential for your complete recovery.