Before your blood gets pumped out of your heart to circulate through the body, it must pass through the aortic valve. If the aortic valve becomes narrowed or hardened, the condition known as aortic stenosis occurs, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, fainting, and shortness of breath.
Aortic stenosis is a common heart valve disease and typically affects people over the age of 65. As symptoms progress, your cardiologist may suggest getting your aortic valve replaced.
The good news is there is a less invasive technique called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) that benefits patients without a long recovery time and hospital stay.
TAVR Gets You Back on Your Feet Faster
Unlike conventional procedures that involve opening the chest, the TAVR procedure is done through a small incision commonly made near the groin area and uses a catheter to replace the heart valve.
“Patients are able to get back to their daily activities within a few days with very minimal restrictions,” said Dr. Majid Mughal, interventional cardiologist at McLaren Greater Lansing Cardiovascular Associates.
Shorter Hospital Stay
“Patients used to stay in the hospital for five to seven days for a valve replacement procedure. Now with the introduction of TAVR, the procedure only takes about two hours, and most patients can go home the next day.”
Being able to provide this minimally invasive procedure right here at McLaren Greater Lansing means travel time has greatly reduced for patients seeking this treatment in the greater Lansing community as well.
TAVR Can Be Long-Lasting
TAVR is a durable option for patients based on current guidelines.
"Current data from TAVR trials confirm that the medium- to long-term durability of these transcatheter valves is satisfactory,” said Dr. Mughal. “We’re seeing the longevity of these valves lasting close to 10 to 12 years now before needing to be replaced.”
TAVR Procedure Benefits Older Patients and Those with Severe Stenosis
“More patients in their 90’s are undergoing TAVR procedures,” said Dr. Mughal. “With the procedure being minimally invasive, this allows our older patients and those who have more severe conditions to be a candidate to receive a TAVR and have a better quality of life.”
But with any procedure, there are risks. Dr. Mughal stresses the importance of having a discussion with your cardiologist, including your risk of a stroke or the need for a pacemaker.
TAVR continues to increase in favor for treating heart valve disease conditions. The cardiology team at McLaren Greater Lansing reached a significant milestone in 2024, celebrating their 200th TAVR procedure.
If you have aortic stenosis and your symptoms are worsening, TAVR could be a viable treatment option for you. Learn more directly from the cardiology expert, Dr. Mughal, who will be hosting a free Healthwise event on May 13, at 6 p.m. to discuss more about heart valve disease and different treatment options including TAVR. To learn more in-person including the opportunity to ask questions, register for this event by clicking here.
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