TAVR is a minimally invasive way to replace diseased aortic valves and failed artificial aortic tissue valves. Find out if you or a patient may be eligible for TAVR. In the Sacramento/Central Valley area, call (916) 887-4242 and in the Bay Area call (877) 283-2873.
Oxygen-rich blood flows from the left lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart into a large blood vessel called the aorta. The aortic valve is the gatekeeper between the left ventricle and the aorta, allowing oxygenated blood to flow out of the heart and stopping the backflow of blood into the heart.
A diseased aortic valve may lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, congestive heart failure and even sudden death.
You may need aortic valve surgery if:
- Your aortic valve does not close fully, so blood flows back into the heart. This is called aortic regurgitation and over time weakens the heart muscle.
- Your aortic valve does not open fully, limiting the amount of oxygenated blood flowing out of the heart. This is called aortic stenosis and reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your body.