Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an innovative procedure that delivers replacement valves via catheter for patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Wake Forest Baptist Health was 1 of only 2 hospitals in the state who participated in clinical trials to test this procedure and our interventional cardiologists are some of the most experienced in the state at TAVR.

What to Expect During Your Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Before your procedure, you will be given medication to put you to sleep.

An interventional cardiologist makes an incision in your artery and inserts a thin, spaghetti-like tube (catheter). The tip of the catheter contains the compressed replacement valve on a balloon delivery device. A thin wire helps guide the replacement valve up to the aorta.

Using advanced imaging technology, our experts check the valve for proper placement on special monitors. Once in place, the balloon expands, wedging the replacement valve permanently into place.

As the new valve expands, it pushes the diseased valve tissue out of the way. The tissue in the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow.

You may need to stay overnight in the hospital so we can monitor your recovery.

TAVR Procedure

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, a cardiologist at Wake Forest Baptist Health, explains how the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure repairs an older, damaged valve in the heart without removing it.