Dignity Health: Performing TAVR in Arizona
If you have a damaged aortic valve that has not been helped with medication, doctors at Dignity Health offer a catheter-based procedure, called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to place a new aortic valve in your heart without having to remove the old, damaged valve.
If you are experiencing symptoms with aortic valve stenosis, such as chest pain, fainting, or an irregular heartbeat, speak with a doctor at Dignity Health about TAVR in Arizona. For the services you need, Find a Doctor today.
Why TAVR is Performed
At Dignity Health, experienced heart doctors perform TAVR to treat severe cases of aortic valve stenosis — a condition that occurs when a heart valve does not open completely because it has become stiff or thickened. When this happens, the valve cannot allow blood to flow properly as needed, creating stress on the heart as it pushes blood through the narrowed valve.
TAVR may be right for you if medications have not been successful at treating your symptoms, your case is severe, or your doctor has determined that you are better suited for a catheter-based procedure than surgery.
What to Expect With TAVR at Dignity Health
Your procedure will be performed by a skilled interventional cardiologist or cardiac surgeon in a cardiac catheterization lab at Dignity Health. Generally, TAVR lasts about three hours. You will need to spend three to five days recuperating in the hospital.
During this procedure, your doctor will insert a catheter into an artery, usually in the groin, and feed it up toward the aortic valve in your heart. A special dye will help your doctor see your heart on X-rays. Once the catheter is in place, your doctor will place the new heart valve in the right location. Your new valve will push the old, damaged leaflets of the old valve out of the way.
Your Life After TAVR
After your procedure is over and you are back at home, you will need to take it easy for several days. It may take up to six weeks to get back to a normal routine, and several months for a full recovery. Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehabilitation to help your recovery process.
Some things to discuss with your doctor are:
- The need for blood thinners for a period of time after your procedure
- The possibility of lifelong aspirin therapy
- Regular checkups with your cardiologist
As part of our cardiology services, Dignity Health offers TAVR in Arizona to treat those with aortic valve stenosis.