Your aortic valve is responsible for maintaining blood flow from your heart’s lower chamber to your aorta — your body’s main artery. If that valve narrows or gets stiff, your heart works harder to pump blood, and you may need a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

At Baptist Health, our expert cardiac surgeons are ready to provide this minimally invasive procedure that places a new, healthy valve inside your old, diseased one. It reduces the stress on your heart and lowers your risk of developing heart failure.

When Should You Get a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?

When Should You Get a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?

Over time, calcium can build up in your aortic valve. This is called atherosclerosis, and it can narrow your valve tissue and make it stiff. As a result, the valve can’t open and close fully, so your blood doesn’t flow as well.

TAVR is a good option for patients who aren’t candidates for open-heart surgery due to older age or other health problems. Your doctor may recommend a TAVR if you have:

  • An aortic tissue valve that isn’t working correctly.
  • A different health condition that could make open-heart valve replacement surgery risky.
  • Severe aortic stenosis that causes significant symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
“I couldn’t believe it. I got out of bed and with the help of my wife and the nurse, and I was able to walk again.

The TAVR Procedure

Having a TAVR procedure is similar to having a hollow, mesh tube called a stent implanted to keep your artery open.

During TAVR, your surgeon makes a small cut (an incision) in your groin or chest. They use X-ray guidance to thread a long, thin tube (a catheter) carrying a replacement valve through your artery to your aortic valve. The replacement valve is made from either cow or pig heart tissue.

Once the replacement valve is in place, your surgeon inflates a balloon on the tip of the catheter. Doing this presses the new valve into place.

You’ll need medication after your procedure to ensure your new heart valve works well. Your doctor may prescribe a daily blood-thinning medication (an anticoagulant) to prevent any blood clots from forming. And you will also need to take antibiotics before and after any dental work to fight bacteria that could harm your new heart valve.

Meet our Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Specialists

Our outstanding team of cardiac surgeons is ready to serve you with the advanced treatment option that is best for you. Their priority is giving you the best outcome possible. Learn more about our providers.

To schedule with our team of physicians in Miami-Dade County, call 786-596-1230

To schedule with our team of physicians in Boca Raton or Boynton Beach call 561-955-6300

Our Locations

Kendall

8950 North Kendall Drive
Suite #600W
Miami, Florida 33176

Boca Raton

801 Meadows Road
Suite #102
Boca Raton, Florida 33486

Boynton Beach

2815 S Seacrest Blvd
3rd Floor
Boynton Beach, Florida 33435

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