TAVR (Trans aortic valve replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure where a critically narrowed aortic valve is replaced without opening the chest cavity.
Our UCSF-affiliated surgeons have been performing TAVR procedures for several years and now these procedures can be done at Washington Hospital, combining academic-level care with the convenience of remaining in our community.
An interventional cardiologist along with a cardiothoracic surgeon work together in 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.