Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Hoag's Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute is one of a select number of sites in the nation to treat patients with a non-surgical approach to aortic valve replacement - transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This revolutionary treatment option provides an important therapy for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who are at low (through a clinical trial), intermediate and high risk for conventional valve replacement surgery.

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

As the first center in Orange County to offer Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), the Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center​ is pleased to offer an option to patients who would have otherwise been denied treatment.

During the TAVR procedure, Hoag’s experienced multidisciplinary team​ delivers a collapsible artificial valve into the heart through a catheter. Utilizing advanced imaging technology, this thin-flexible tube is inserted into the body through the groin, or a small incision between the ribs. The artifical heart valve is then inserted across the patient’s own aortic valve where it almost immediately goes to work.

Video Illustrations of the TAVR Procedure

Percutaneous Trans-Femoral Approach using CoreValve

Percutaneous Trans-Femoral Approachusing Sapien Valve

Who is a Candidate for TAVR?

Not all patients are a candidate for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In most cases, TAVR is used for patients who are considered at high surgical risk or inoperable, however at Hoag, this procedure is also available for intermediate risk patients. Hoag has also been selected to offer a clinical trial for low-risk patients. Leanr more.

Why Choose Hoag for Valve Replacement Surgery?

In patients with severe aortic stenosis, there are multiple techniques that can be used to replace the aortic valve. The decision to perform a specific type of surgery is highly complex, and involves a complete evaluation of the patient by an experienced cardiac team in order to determine which method will have the best outcome for each individual patient.

At the Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center, our expert cardiac team​ is well-versed in the full array of heart valve surgical options, and can offer the best option for each patient.

In addition, Hoag’s highly skilled surgical team has access to the new Bob & Marjie Bennett Advanced Cardiovascular Surgery Suite ​ (Hybrid CVOR). The first operating room of its kind in Orange County, Hoag’s Hybrid CVOR enables advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures to be performed simultaneously in the same room.

By combining first-rate imaging capabilities within an advanced operating suite, Hoag’s world-renowned cardiac surgeons and cardiologists now have unprecedented flexibility in real time to do what’s best for the patient. This results in safer treatment, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and improved outcomes.

Partners 3 Clinical Trial

Purpose of Study: To establish the safety and effectiveness of the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at low operative risk for standard aortic valve replacement (AVR). Learn more about this trial.

Determining if TAVR is Right for You?

The valvular heart disease experts at the Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center continue to lead the way in progressive patient-centered care. To determine if you are a candidate for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, speak with your cardiologist, or contact us to schedule an appointment at 877-833-9739 or email HVI@hoag.org.