TAVR FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
These TAVR FAQs are the most frequently asked questions about the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure.
What is the heart valve made of?
The heart valve is made from bovine pericardium (cow tissue). The low stented frame is made from cobalt chromium and is partially covered with a polyethylene terephthalate outer skirt designed to minimize leakage around the new valve. CTA studies will determine which of the four sizes will be appropriate for your heart.
How long will the heart valve last before it has to be replaced again?
The first valve of this kind was implanted in 2002 and was FDA approved in 2011. Because this procedure is relatively new, there is limited long term information to assess durability. However, data shows that TAVR valves are comparable to surgical valves regarding durability, about 10 years on average.
Longevity of an artificial tissue valve depends on many patient variables and medical conditions. This makes it impossible to predict how long a valve or repair device will last in any one patient. All patients with prosthetic heart valves should have a yearly echocardiogram and check-up in order to assess heart valve function.
How does it stay in the body?
The frame that is positioned around the tissue portion of the valve attaches to the calcium that is present in your native diseased valve.
Is it safe to have an X-ray or MRI?
X-rays and MRIs are generally safe. It is important to tell any health care provider that you’ve undergone a TAVR procedure before any CT or MRI study.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
The heart team will review your medical conditions and determine what type of anesthesia is best suited for you. Most people are not fully asleep but are given medications to relax and block pain. However, it is necessary at times to use general anesthesia.
Does Eisenhower Health have a lot of experience with this procedure?
Eisenhower Health has been doing this procedure since 2015. We have performed close to 500 of these procedures.
How often do I need follow-up care after the procedure?
You should have a follow up appointment arranged a week from your procedure with the cardiologist from the Heart Valve team at Eisenhower. Within 30 days of your procedure you should have an echocardiogram, then yearly after that with your own cardiologist. You may need additional follow up depending on your medical needs.
Who do I notify for emergencies once I am discharged?
If you are experiencing a true medical emergency, you should call 911.
For any other valve related questions, you may call Eisenhower Health’s Valve Clinic or the office of the physician who implanted your new valve during regular business hours.
Can a loved one stay with me in the hospital?
Patients will stay at least one night in the Telemetry or Intensive Care Unit and are evaluated for discharge the morning after surgery (post-op day one). 99.2% of our patients are discharged home with no aid.
How long will the procedure take?
Although the delivery of the valve takes less than an hour, it will be necessary for you to be in the procedure room for two hours as room setup must take place before the delivery of the valve and procedural work must be completed after the valve is placed.
Will I need to go to a rehab facility or have a visiting nurse?
If you had home health services prior to the procedure, it’s likely you will need them after the procedure. If you didn’t have these services prior to the procedure, it will be unlikely you will need them. However, a member of our team will see you daily while you are in the hospital and will ensure you have a safe transition out of the hospital.
We highly encourage you to participate in outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation. This program will safely assist you in increasing your physical activity and assist with risk reduction, medication and nutrition education. Your Heart Team physician will refer you to a cardiac rehab clinic on your post-operative office visit.
How soon will I start to feel better?
Some people notice an immediate difference and some do not notice a difference for several weeks. There are things you can do to improve your recovery, such as participating in cardiac rehabilitation. We encourage walking regularly.
What kind of support will I need at home after the procedure?
It is advised that you have someone who can look in on you or be around you for the first 48 hours after discharge. Also, since driving and lifting is not allowed for one week following the procedure, you should ensure that you have access to food and someone available to help with household chores.
How do I care for my incisions?
Check your procedure site daily. You may see bruising which is normal. Monitor any drainage, bleeding, redness or odor. Do not submerge incision sites in water, such as a bathtub, swimming pool or hot tub. Showering is allowed. Wash with warm water and soap. Gently pat incision areas dry. These sites should be kept clean and dry without ointments or powders.
It is normal for your groin incision(s) to be itchy or sore while healing. Your incision may take a week or more to heal. You may remove or replace bandages if needed. This area may also be left open to air if there is no drainage. Your Heart Team physician will evaluate sites on your post-operative visit.
Will I need to take antibiotics before going to the dentist?
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends lifelong use of antibiotics prior to any dental procedure (including cleaning) following heart valve replacement.
Learn more about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in this section of the website or call 760-837-8350 to make an appointment with a member of the Heart Valve Team to discuss whether TAVR is a fit for your situation and how Eisenhower’s award-winning TAVR team approaches aortic valve replacement.
