What does the TAVR procedure involve?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic stenosis). A collapsible replacement valve is delivered through a catheter inserted via a small incision in the femoral artery (groin) and guided to the heart. Once positioned inside the diseased valve, the new valve is expanded to push the old leaflets aside and begin regulating blood flow. The entire procedure is performed without stopping the heart or using cardiopulmonary bypass, typically lasting 1–2 hours under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.