Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR is an example of a minimally invasive procedure. Our UCSF-affiliated surgeons have been performing TAVR’s as a team for many years. During a TAVR procedure, a critically narrowed aortic valve is replaced without opening the chest cavity.

An interventional cardiologist along with a cardiothoracic surgeon work together during the TAVR procedure. They guide a new valve to the heart through a small puncture in the leg while the heart is still beating, using guidance from X-ray and echocardiography. The new valve is placed over the old damaged valve and wedged into place. The patient can usually go home the next day and return to normal activities in a few days.