University of Minnesota Health Heart Care specialists began performing the TAVR procedure in 2012. TAVR is an alternative to open-heart valve replacement surgery for patients who are at high risk. At the University of Minnesota Health Heart Care, a team of specialists will get to know you and your medical history before a TAVR is performed. During the procedure itself, a heart valve is placed on a catheter and advanced through an incision in your leg into an artery that carries it to your heart. This is called a transfemoral procedure. When it is in position, a balloon on the catheter expands the heart valve so the physician can position it properly. The valve can also be placed through an incision between your ribs and into the bottom, or apex, of your heart. This is called a transapical procedure. The TAVR procedure typically provides immediate relief from the aortic stenosis symptoms and a much shorter recovery time than open heart surgery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
If you are a high-risk patient with aortic stenosis, your heart valve may be stiff or thick, restricting the blood flow from your heart. You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In this procedure, a new valve is advanced to your heart with a catheter and mounted on a stent frame within the diseased valve, eliminating your need for open heart surgery.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Discover Our Difference
Our Care Team
Bilal S. Ali, MD, FACC
Cardiologist
Timinder Biring, MD
Cardiologist, Vascular Medicine Specialist
Gregory Helmer, MD
Cardiologist
Stephen Huddleston, MD, PhD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Ranjit John, MD
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Kenneth K. Liao, MD, PhD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon
Emil Missov, MD, PhD
Cardiologist
Ganesh Raveendran, MD
Cardiologist
Sara J. Shumway, MD
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Rochus Voeller, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Demetris Yannopoulos, MD
Cardiologist