The primary candidates for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) are individuals diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. This condition occurs when the aortic valve narrows significantly, obstructing blood flow from the heart to the body. The severity of aortic stenosis is determined through various diagnostic tests, including echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization. Your doctor will assess the degree of valve narrowing and its impact on your heart’s function to determine if your aortic stenosis is severe enough to warrant TAVR intervention.

Initially, TAVR was primarily offered to patients considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery. These high-risk patients often have multiple comorbidities, advanced age, or frailty that significantly increase the risks associated with open-heart procedures. As TAVR techniques have advanced and more data has become available, the procedure has also been approved for intermediate-risk patients. These are individuals who, while not at the highest risk for surgical complications, still face substantial risks with traditional surgery. Your healthcare team will use standardized risk assessment tools to categorize your surgical risk and determine if TAVR is an appropriate option.

Recent clinical trials and FDA approvals have expanded TAVR candidacy to include low-risk patients. This means that even if you’re considered a good candidate for traditional surgical aortic valve replacement, you might still be eligible for TAVR. The decision between TAVR and surgery for low-risk patients often involves considerations such as valve durability, patient preference, and specific anatomical factors. Your CVG heart team will carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of both approaches.

While severe aortic stenosis and surgical risk are primary factors in determining TAVR candidacy, there are other important considerations. The procedure requires specific anatomical characteristics to be successful. Your doctor will evaluate the size and shape of your aortic valve, the dimensions of your blood vessels, and the presence of any anatomical abnormalities that might complicate the TAVR procedure. Patients who have a failing surgical bioprosthetic valve (valve-in-valve procedure) or who have certain types of native aortic valve disease, like bicuspid aortic valves, may also be considered for TAVR.

Beyond medical and anatomical factors, patient preference and quality of life considerations play a significant role in TAVR candidacy. For some patients, particularly older adults, the less invasive nature of TAVR and its shorter recovery time may align better with their life goals and preferences.

If you have other questions, we are happy to help. CVG provides comprehensive, compassionate care that features these benefits:

Comprehensive care from top cardiologists. Please review the details about cardiac tests and procedures on this page on our website. With this information and our Atlanta cardiologists’ expertise, we can work together to ensure your heart health. At all CVG locations, you can get ten heart care services. These include full diagnostic tests, treatments, and procedures that cover every aspect of cardiac care.

State-of-the-art, expert cardiac care that treats you with dignity. When you make an appointment, we focus on your specific needs. Your voice will be heard as an active participant in your care. We treat your heart and provide care with dignity and respect.

Open communication makes everything better. You can get the care you need at CVG because we clearly explain your treatment options and use an easy-to-understand billing system. We make it simple for you to talk to us, view your records, and get test results.

CVG offers eleven convenient Atlanta-area locations. Whichever CVG location you choose, you will find top cardiologists dedicated to providing exceptional care. We will encourage you and support your health throughout your time with us.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.