Blessing offers a minimally-invasive surgical option for valve replacement. If you are in need of a valve replacement, but are not a candidate for open-heart surgery, the minimally-invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure might be best for you. With this procedure, our specialists repair your damaged heart with small incisions and a quicker recovery time.

TAVR replaces a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open the right way, known as aortic valve stenosis. Aortic stenosis causes your heart to work harder, which leads to an increased risk for heart attack, arrhythmia and heart failure. Patients with aortic stenosis may experience:

  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting
  • Leg swelling
  • Shortness of breath

TAVR is specifically designed for patients who are at risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or sometimes can be done for patients who are ortherwise inoperable. 

How it Works

During a TAVR procedure, the heart remains beating and cardiopulmonary bypass is not necessary. The damaged aortic valve is replaced with a tissue valve. TAVR can be done through needle sticks or small incisions. 

TAVR is a minimally-invasive procedure where imaging specialists use X-Ray guidance to insert and position the new heart valve via catheter. Most patients can be discharged to home in just a day or two. The procedure is followed up by a brief hospital stay and cardiac rehab.

Our Team

Our highly skilled multidisciplinary TAVR team led by Dr. Jeff Cook and Dr. John Arnold will work with you to determine if TAVR is the right procedure for you.  Benefits of TAVR include:

  • Less invasive than open heart surgery

  • The small incision allows for less pain and quicker recovery time

  • Relieve the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and improve overall health

  • A treatment is now available to people with aortic stenosis who can't have surgery or for whom surgery is too risky

Our Structural Heart Navigator Program

Being diagnosed with a heart condition is overwhelming. At Blessing, our Structural Heart Navigator is specially trained and experienced in Structural Heart care, and offers individualized support to help guide, educate, and encourage the patient, their family and caregivers through their heart care journey. Some of these features include the following:

  • Familiarity with the local network of physicians, collaborating with providers for seamless care.
  • Accessing a network of community resources to eliminate barriers such as transportation needs.
  • Facilitate scheduling appointments and testing.

The Navigator’s services are free of charge and are tailored to the needs of each patient. You can click here for more details about Blessing Hospital's Structural Heart Navigator Program and how it can work for you.

Contact Us

To learn more about TAVR services available at Blessing and to schedule an appointment, please call (217) 214-3444.