The TAVR procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a new valve to be inserted within your native, diseased aortic valve without undergoing open-heart surgery. The delivery of a new aortic valve is made through the main leg artery or through a small incision between the ribs. This allows patients who are eligible for TAVR to avoid a large incision in the chest. TAVR leads to a quicker recovery than with an open-heart procedure and has become the standard of care for critical aortic stenosis.

TAVR is a life-saving option for patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a progressive disease that keeps the aortic valve from opening properly. This narrowing of the valve can increase the risk of heart failure. Those with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis are typically eligible for TAVR.  A team of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons can help you decide if TAVR is the best option for you. TAVR procedures are performed in eastern Wisconsin at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital.