Are you experiencing fatigue, chest pain, or shortness of breath from aortic valve narrowing? Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery. Our heart doctors perform this procedure to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms of severe aortic stenosis. Early treatment in Edinburg, Texas can help reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes. Recovery is typically faster, and the approach reduces surgical risks for many patients. We evaluate your condition thoroughly to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your heart health needs.
Key Service Highlight
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers a minimally invasive solution for treating severe aortic valve narrowing.
Advantages of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Here are the benefits of choosing transcatheter aortic valve replacement:
- Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
- Effective treatment for severe aortic stenosis with reduced surgical risk.
- Improves symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and breathlessness.
- Suitable for patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgery.
- Performed by experienced heart doctors using advanced techniques.
Why It’s a Safer Alternative for Certain Patients
Not everyone is a candidate for traditional heart valve surgery due to age or other medical conditions. TAVR offers a solution with fewer surgical risks and faster recovery for these individuals. Because it avoids opening the chest, complications like infections or prolonged downtime are minimized. Cardiology teams use advanced imaging and diagnostic testing to determine eligibility and plan the safest approach. This careful evaluation ensures that only appropriate candidates receive the procedure.
Our Evaluation Process Before Treatment
Before recommending TAVR, the cardiology team conducts a comprehensive assessment to ensure it is the most appropriate option. This process includes imaging tests such as echocardiograms and CT scans to examine the structure and function of the aortic valve. Blood tests and cardiac evaluations help determine if any underlying conditions could affect the outcome. Multidisciplinary discussions guide decisions to promote the safest and most effective treatment. These thorough evaluations ensure personalized care and better procedural success for each patient.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
This section answers common questions about transcatheter aortic valve replacement to help patients understand the procedure and its benefits.
What are the main symptoms of aortic valve stenosis?
Common symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to exercise or complete daily tasks.
Is TAVR better than open-heart valve surgery?
TAVR is not necessarily better, but it is often safer for high-risk patients. The best option depends on the individual’s overall health and severity of valve disease.
How long does recovery take after a TAVR procedure?
Most patients recover faster than with traditional surgery, with hospital stays typically lasting 1 to 3 days and a return to normal activities in about one to two weeks.
Are there any risks associated with TAVR?
As with any procedure, risks include bleeding, valve leakage, stroke, or infection. Pre-procedure evaluation helps reduce potential complications.
How is eligibility for TAVR determined?
Doctors use echocardiograms, CT scans, and other diagnostic tools to assess the valve’s condition and the patient’s overall health before recommending TAVR.
Can TAVR be repeated if needed later?
Yes, valve-in-valve procedures can be performed if the replacement valve wears out, depending on individual circumstances.
Is anesthesia required for TAVR?
Most procedures are done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, based on the medical team’s recommendation and the patient’s condition.
Schedule Your Heart Consultation
Contact us to schedule your consultation with our cardiovascular specialists and see how advanced diagnostic testing and specialized treatment options can address your heart or vein concerns efficiently and effectively.
