Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

NJ Heart & Vascular Care

Kintur A. Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Board Certified Cardiologist & Cardiovascular Physician located in Princeton, NJ & Hamilton Square, NJ

When the aortic valve inside your heart stops working normally, chances are you’ll need a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). When you need a TAVR, you can depend on the expertise of Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, at NJ Heart & Vascular Care in Princeton and Hamilton, New Jersey. Dr. Sanghvi has performed more than 500 TAVR procedures, pioneered safe access management, and published alternative techniques for treating severe aortic valve stenosis. To learn more about TAVR or to schedule a cardiovascular evaluation, call or book an appointment online today.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Q & A

What is transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is one of today’s most innovative procedures for replacing a damaged aortic valve. You’ll need a new valve when you have aortic valve stenosis, a condition caused by problems such as infections, high blood pressure, and a disease process that’s similar to atherosclerosis.

What is aortic valve stenosis?

Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in one direction through your heart. The aortic valve is located between the primary pumping chamber (the left ventricle) and the aorta, which is the main artery carrying blood from your heart to your body.

Aortic valve stenosis occurs when the valve becomes thick and stiff. This narrows the valve opening so less blood flows out of your heart. As a result, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood.

When aortic valve stenosis goes untreated, the left ventricle works harder as it tries to get blood through the valve. This takes a toll on the muscles. They begin to thicken and then weaken, potentially leading to heart failure.

How are TAVR and peripheral artery disease connected?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) commonly occurs together with aortic valve stenosis. Additionally, PAD increases your risk of complications after a TAVR procedure.

Dr. Sanghvi has you covered. He pioneered an approach to treat severe aortic stenosis along with severe PAD. Dr. Sanghvi has done over 500 valve replacements using this technique.

What symptoms indicate I need transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

You may have aortic valve stenosis and need TAVR if you experience symptoms such as:

Chest pain
Rapid, fluttering heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swollen ankles or feet
Difficulty sleeping
Needing to sleep sitting up

You may find that you can’t stay as active as you once could or that it’s harder to keep up with daily activities.

It’s also important to remember that these symptoms can signal many possible cardiovascular conditions, so don’t hesitate to schedule a comprehensive cardiovascular examination with Dr. Sanghvi.

What happens during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure, so you don’t need open surgery. Dr. Sanghvi makes a tiny incision and inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in your wrist, groin, chest, or neck.

Using real-time imaging, Dr. Sanghvi guides the catheter through the blood vessels and into your heart. When the catheter is at the aortic valve, he puts the new valve in place.

You’ll need to take blood-thinning medication after your TAVR procedure. It’s also essential to follow a healthy lifestyle and pay extra attention to your dental health. Bacteria from your mouth can get into your heart and infect the new valve.

To learn more about TAVR, call NJ Heart & Vascular Care or book an appointment online today.