TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive technique for replacing abnormal, restricted aortic valves (a condition known as aortic stenosis). In the TAVR procedure, rather than traditional open heart surgery, physicians insert the new bioprosthetic valve into the heart via the bloodstream using small incisions and catheters. New York-Presbyterian Queens is the only hospital in Queens offering this groundbreaking treatment.
Our cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists work closely with the cardiac specialists at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, who were part of the NewYork-Presbyterian team instrumental in the development and growth of this procedure. We use our expertise and experience to give you the most careful evaluation available and the best results possible, whether you ultimately undergo TAVR, traditional heart surgery, or continued monitoring and medical management.
Am I a Candidate for TAVR?
Patients are eligible for TAVR if the degree of aortic stenosis is classified as severe. Prior to being offered TAVR, patients are evaluated by a comprehensive heart valve team. This team consists of a group of interventional cardiologists and surgeons, as well as anesthesiologists and cardiovascular imaging specialists. By applying a multidisciplinary, team-approach model to patient evaluation, we are able to provide the best clinical care for our patients.
Originally TAVR was performed in only high surgical risk patients. However, recent data has shown benefit of TAVR in nearly all groups of patients with severe aortic stenosis, regardless of risk or age. In 2019, researchers found TAVR to have significantly lower rates of death, stroke, or hospitalization in low-risk patients as compared to open heart surgery.
Is TAVR Right for Me?
At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, our specialists will evaluate you to determine the best treatment option for you. Some tests they may perform include:
- Angiogram — to examine how blood flows through the arteries of the heart.
- Echocardiogram — to visualize the heart to determine the severity of the damage.
- CT scan — to evaluate the valve anatomy and determine the optimal TAVR valve size and type.