Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Bellin Health Systems was one of the original 5 regional heart programs selected for use of the first commercially available transcatheter heart valve. 

We have two TAVR options available to our patients, which include:

Rather than opening the chest of the patient, the TAVR procedure is done through small incisions. Bellin Health provides a number of options for introducing the catheter, based on the patient’s body and health. This can be done transfemorally, transapically, or transaortically.

Who's a Candidate? 

Many people who suffer from aortic stenosis are age 75 or older. The condition is caused by the buildup of calcium on heart valve leaflets as you age. This causes the valve to be become narrow and hardened. There are some cases, though, that are the result of rheumatic fever, a congenital heart defect, or radiation therapy.

TAVR is approved for low, intermediate and high-risk patient's. Your surgeon will help you decide what is best for you. instead of If you have been told that open heart surgery is too great a risk or high risk, you may be a candidate for transcatheter valve replacement to treat your aortic stenosis.