Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Millions of Americans over the age of 65 are afflicted with aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the aortic valve, one of the four main valves in the heart. Many of those affected are not eligible for traditional open heart surgery to repair it due to age or other health concerns. As an alternative, patients with aortic stenosis who face a moderate or higher risk from open heart surgery may be candidates for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. TAVR eliminates the need for open heart surgery and offers a shorter recovery time with less risk to the patient.

TAVR is considered a “minimally invasive” method of replacing malfunctioning heart valves, because it does not require large incisions or the use of a heart-lung machine (known as cardiopulmonary bypass). In a special operating room with both surgical and X-ray capabilities, a guide wire is inserted into the body through the groin or a small incision between the ribs and guided to the malfunctioning valve. The new valve is compressed and attached to a tiny, flexible tube called a catheter, and – using guidance from X-rays – the catheter is positioned inside the malfunctioning valve, then the new valve is expanded in place to serve as a replacement.

Why UAB

In 2012, UAB Medicine became the first hospital in Alabama to perform the minimally invasive TAVR procedure. Having completed more than 800 since that time, UAB Medicine is the state’s leader in the TAVR procedure. We are ranked among the nation’s top 20 cardiology and heart surgery programs by U.S. News & World Report, and our TAVR patients enjoy lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays compared to the national averages. Patients who have been told by non-UAB Medicine doctors that they need traditional valve surgery can speak to a UAB Medicine valve surgeon for a second opinion to determine if they may be candidates for TAVR.

Our highly experienced team of surgeons and cardiologists provide a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of valve disease. Our reputation as a leader in treating aortic valve disease was strengthened in 2018 when UAB Medicine Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery James E. Davies Jr., MD, became the first in the Southeast to implant the Edwards Inspiris heart valve. Made of specially treated bovine (cow) tissue that may help it last longer, this revolutionary valve also has an expandable frame to allow for future valve-in-valve procedures such as TAVR. This means that if the patient needs to have the valve replaced later in life, open surgery would not be required again, making this type of heart valve ideal for younger patients. The Edwards Inspiris heart valve is a perfect example of how traditional surgical and transcatheter methods such as TAVR can work together to provide our patients with the highest quality of care throughout their lifetime.

Contact Us

To speak with someone directly about your case and schedule a TAVR evaluation, please call (205) 975-3739 or email Lisa Findley at lfindley@uabmc.edu.

Images and Videos

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

Heart valve disease affects patients of all ages, but there are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition.

Unique heart procedure—transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)--gives 89 year old a new lease on life

WWII vet and three-time Purple Heart recipient is back on his feet after ambitious heart treatments and procedures.

Dr. James Davies appeared on ABC 33/40's "Talk of Alabama" to discuss UAB's expertise in aortic valve replacement.

Interventional cardiologist, Mark Sasse, MD, and UAB's team of heart and vascular surgeons and physicians provide unique, personalized care at Alabama's only nationally ranked hospital.

More about Ernest Tate's life-saving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcathether Aortic Valve Replacement procedure puts Selma, Alabama's first black police chief closer to tending his farm.

Physicians elsewhere said his options were limited, but UAB experts saved this patient's life with this groundbreaking new treatment for aortic valve stenosis.

UAB’s 500th TAVR procedure gave this retired pastor and baseball player an opportunity to help others.

For patients with aortic valve stenosis, who cannot undergo open heart surgery, the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure provides a welcome alternative.

PHYSICIANS

Abbey M. Barrow, CRNP

Arka Chatterjee, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

Lisa Findley, CRNP, DNP

Massoud Leesar, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Mohammed Sarraf, MD

Mark Sasse, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Aortic Stenosis

Heart Valve Disease

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Aortic Valve Replacement. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials