Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Call for an AppointmentThis minimally invasive procedure to treat aortic stenosis can preserve or improve heart function, quality of life, and survival. The doctor accesses your heart through small incisions and implants a prosthetic valve within the diseased valve. Our specialists are skilled in the placement of all commercially available TAVR devices and use multiple delivery approaches. As a result, we can offer treatment options to people who have been turned away elsewhere.
Three Approaches to TAVR
We offer three of the most common approaches to the TAVR procedure:
- Transfemoral (through the groin)
- Transapical (through the chest)
- Through the neck
All three approaches offer less scarring and blood loss and faster recovery compared to open valve surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best approach for you based on your anatomy, size, and overall condition.
Our doctors perform TAVR procedures at Duke University Hospital and offer pre- and post-operative appointments in two Durham locations.
Tests
Depending in your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests to evaluate and identify aortic valve disease.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Small electrodes are placed on your skin to record your heart’s electrical impulses. The tracings may help identify risk for or prior heart muscle damage.
Echocardiogram
An ultrasound probe is moved over the surface of your chest to capture moving images of your heart. This allows us to determine your heart’s chamber dimensions, shape, valve structures, and overall function.
CT Coronary Angiography
A contrast agent is injected into your arm and a CT scan produces highly detailed 3-D images of your coronary arteries to help identify anatomy and blockages.
3-D Transesophogeal Echocardiogram
An ultrasound probe passed through your esophagus is used to capture sound waves that create highly detailed, close-up 3-D images of your heart’s chamber dimensions, shape, valve structures, and overall function.
Cardiac MRI
Radio waves, magnets, and a computer create still and moving images of your overall heart structure, heart muscle function, blood vessels, and surrounding structures.
Cardiac Catheterization
Flexible catheters are guided through a blood vessel to your heart to look for blockages and overall heart function. Contrast dye is injected and X-rays are taken to capture images of your heart, coronary arteries, and other blood vessels.
Why Choose Duke
Early Leaders in TAVR Research
Our early involvement in the development of TAVR through clinical trials means we have extensive experience with this procedure, which leads to higher success rates.
More Treatment Options
Our specialists are skilled in all commercially available TAVR devices and multiple delivery approaches. With Duke’s access to and experience with multiple devices, we provide customized care to meet your individual needs and anatomy.
A Team of Skilled Experts
A specially trained, experienced team of interventional cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and other health care professionals is involved in every transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure we perform. Together, the team reviews each patient’s unique needs and determines the best treatment plan.
High-Speed Imaging
Your heart is constantly in motion, making it challenging to get a still image. High-speed cardiac imaging capabilities allow us to get a clear picture of your heart, which helps us determine the right device, the right approach, and the right treatment plan for you.
When it comes to your heart care, you want the very best. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cardiology and heart surgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.