Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

The Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute is one of a select number of sites in the nation to treat patients with the recently FDA-approved Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve and Medtronic Evolut™ R​​​.. This revolutionary treatment option provides an important therapy for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who are not candidates for conventional valve replacement surgery.

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

As the only center in Orange County to offer Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), the Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center​ is pleased to offer a definitive treatment 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

Recent clinical trial studies have shown a 69 percent survival rate for patients that received the FDA-approved Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve versus just a 50 percent survival for patients that received an alternative treatment.

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 high surgical risk or inoperable. Although conventional aortic valve replacement surgery is still considered the “gold standard,” with excellent outcomes that have been proven over long periods of follow-up, TAVR is an excellent new option for patients who would have otherwise been considered high surgical risk or denied treatment.

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 Hoag 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.

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.