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Memorial City

(713) 464-6006

Katy West

(281) 398-4944

Greater Heights

(713) 861-2424

Bellville

(713) 464-6006

Aortic stenosis is a condition that narrows the aortic valve of your heart, limiting blood flow and causing chest pain and shortness of breath. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive procedure that has become a viable choice for many patients.

But how can you tell if you are a suitable candidate for TAVR? People with aortic stenosis are good candidates for TAVR, but there are other criteria, too. Let’s explore them, shall we?

What is a TAVR?

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that doesn’t open fully. The narrowing of the aortic valve between the left lower heart chamber and the body’s main artery is called aortic stenosis. This condition blocks or slows blood flow from the heart to the body.

TAVR is a less invasive procedure as it uses a smaller incision than open-heart valve surgery. This procedure can help you reduce shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms of aortic stenosis.

Who Is a Candidate for TAVR?

TAVR is a good option for those who cannot undergo cardiac surgery to replace their aortic valve. To get TAVR, you must consult a group of cardiologists to choose the optimal course of action for you. Your doctor may suggest TAVR if you have:

  • Severe aortic stenosis that causes symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
  • Other health conditions, such as lung or kidney disease, that make open-heart valve replacement surgery too risky.
  • A biological tissue aortic valve that isn’t working as well as it should.

What Does Your Doctor Check to See If TAVR is For You?

Your doctor checks your overall medical history and the severity of your valve disease to see if you are a good candidate for TAVR. The various factors to determine if TAVR is appropriate for you include:

Blood Vessel Size

The catheter has to be threaded through a blood vessel up to the heart in TAVR. So, the blood vessel should be large enough to accommodate the catheter and replacement valve.

Heart Health

TAVR may be a dangerous and unsuitable surgery for some cardiac diseases. One such condition is endocarditis. It is an inflammation of the heart’s valves, chamber lining, or both and is often caused by a bacterial infection.

Valve Condition and Size

During a TAVR procedure, a thin, flexible catheter with a collapsed prosthetic valve at the tip is inserted into a blood artery. The catheter is guided into the heart, where the replacement valve is inflated inside the current valve. For this process to work, the natural valve must be flexible enough to accommodate the new valve.

Physical Health

You cannot have open-heart surgery if you are extremely weak. This condition may also make TAVR impossible. So, if you have a disease or an infection, you cannot have TAVR.

Ending Note!

TAVR has become a game changer in treating aortic valve disease. It is a treatment for people with aortic stenosis, but you may have to go through a thorough examination to see if you are a good candidate. Remember to discuss the risks and benefits of TAVR with your doctor if they recommend this procedure.

Want to book an appointment? Our specialists are available at four convenient locations in Texas. Call (713) 464-6006 for Memorial City and Bellville or (281) 398-4944 for Katy West. For Greater Heights, call (713) 861-2424.

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