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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

At St. Peter’s Health Partners, you have access to advanced treatment options close to home, like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This nonsurgical procedure replaces nonfunctioning valves and relieves symptoms that are slowing you down.

Our experts have been performing TAVR for years, and they maintain a high success rate. Recovery is quick and less painful than traditional methods so you can get back to your busy life.

Nationally Recognized Excellence in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

TAVR

There’s no need to travel outside your community for an aortic heart valve replacement. Our commitment to excellence has earned our program prestigious national recognition for the past several years.

We maintain “high performing” status from U.S. News & World Report, placing us among the nation’s elite heart centers. St. Peter’s Health Partners is among a select few programs in upstate New York with these accolades.

Why Choose St. Peter’s Health Partners for TAVR procedure?

St. Peter’s Health Partners is home to one of the Capital Region’s few fellowship-trained interventional cardiologists. This medical specialty involves the use of long, thin tubes (catheters) to carry out complex procedures through tiny incisions. Our team includes additional talented heart specialists who work together to keep your care moving forward.

Highlights of Our Program Include:

  • Coordination: You benefit from the combined recommendations of cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. They frequently review cases together to ensure TAVR is appropriate. When necessary, surgeons participate in TAVR procedures to ensure safe access to the aortic valve. 
  • Specialized Facilities: We often perform TAVR in our hybrid operating room. The room contains advanced imaging technology for catheter-based treatments as well as equipment for open surgery. 
  • Support: If you have questions, we are here for you. Nurse coordinators and other experts explain what happens before, during and after your procedure. Between appointments, we are available by phone or electronically using MyChart.

Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Right for Me?

TAVR procedures are for people with aortic stenosis that does not respond to medications. Aortic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the valve that regulates oxygen-rich blood flow out to the body. Read more about heart valve disease.

TAVR is for people who do not have other heart conditions, like coronary artery disease or aortic disease. If you are living with these conditions, we can still perform a valve replacement, but it would be safer to use a surgical approach.

Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What to Expect

Here’s What Happens During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

  1. We give you medicine (moderate sedation) to reduce consciousness while allowing you to respond purposefully to verbal commands.
  2. The doctor makes a small incision in your groin, inserts a catheter and gently advances it until they reach the aortic valve.
  3. Real-time imaging provides high-definition views of the treatment area for precise care.
  4. The doctor advances the replacement valve through the catheter.
  5. Once the doctor inserts the replacement valve, the doctor expands it to secure it in place.
  6. The replacement valve pushes your diseased valve tissue out of the way and immediately starts regulating blood flow.
  7. When the procedure is complete, the doctor removes the catheter. You will need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation After TAVR

After you leave the hospital, our outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program is an important part of your recovery. This medically supervised program includes exercise, strength training, and healthy lifestyle coaching. Our heart experts are in regular communication with the rehab team to coordinate services, so you can focus on healing. Learn more about our outpatient program and locations.

For patients who need additional assistance, we also offer inpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. These services are available through our renowned Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

AACVPR logo

All our programs are nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).