Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

A Minimally Invasive Option for Aortic Stenosis in Winchester, VA

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive procedure for treating aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrow and restricts blood flow from the heart. Aortic stenosis is one of the most common heart valve disorders. It often develops as the valve stiffens over time due to calcium buildup.

Some people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which has two leaflets instead of three. This condition can lead to aortic stenosis earlier in life.

Who Is Eligible for TAVR?

Our structural heart team reviews each patient’s case carefully. Eligibility depends on:

Severity of aortic stenosis
Symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
Age and overall health

TAVR is often recommended for older adults or patients who may not tolerate open-heart surgery.

Learn More

Valley Health’s Advanced Valve Center at Winchester Medical Center provides expert care for patients with aortic stenosis. Call 540-536-4000 to schedule a consultation or learn more about TAVR.

How TAVR Works

TAVR is an alternative to traditional open-heart valve replacement surgery. Instead of opening the chest, your care team makes a small incision in the groin or chest. Through this incision, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided to the heart using advanced imaging.

A compressed replacement valve travels through the catheter to the site of the damaged valve. Once in place, the new valve is expanded—often with a balloon—inside the old valve. The physician confirms the new valve is working properly, then removes the catheter and closes the incision.

Benefits of TAVR

TAVR offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

Smaller incision and no need to stop the heart
Faster recovery—many patients walk the same day and go home within one to two days
Lower risk of complications compared to open-heart surgery
Improved quality of life with relief from symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath