TAVR – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement at Mary Washington Hospital
TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a minimally invasive surgical
technique that makes heart valve replacement a treatment option for many
patients who have aortic stenosis but are considered moderate risk or
are not surgical candidates for traditional open heart surgery. TAVR is
a less invasive option that enables surgeons to use a catheter to guide
an artificial heart valve through the carotid artery - directly into the
heart, position it within the patient’s native heart valve and implant
the new valve allowing it to restore blood flow. Trans carotid
Because it is less invasive, TAVR typically has a shorter recovery time
and lower risk for complications than traditional open heart surgery.
Post-procedure hospitalization is typically 3-5 days. Risks for stroke
and other complications are similar to traditional surgical valve replacement.
Your physician can help you determine the best treatment options based
on your condition.
Cardiac Hybrid Room
Mary Washington Hospital’s Cardiac Hybrid Room, designed specifically
for TAVR procedures, is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging in addition
to equipment and features found in a conventional operating room.
Collaborative Heart Care Team
Mary Washington Hospital’s Structural Heart & Valve Clinic Team
consists of specialists with various areas of expertise that review each
patient’s tests and results to develop a customized treatment plan
Dr. John Cardone and Dr. Alex Na, cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Harish Chandra,
interventional cardiologist, and Dr Arijit Chanda, interventional cardiologist,
work with cardiologists and primary care physicians in the region to make
this life-saving treatment option available to qualified patients.
The Mary Washington Healthcare TAVR Team also includes:
- Anesthesiologists
- Nurse anesthetists
- Cardiac cath lab technicians and nurses
- Cardiac surgery nursing team
- Perfusionists
- Cardiac surgical assistants
- Echo technicians
A multidisciplinary heart team reviews patient test results in conjunction
with the patient’s cardiologist or referring physician to determine
an appropriate treatment plan which may include Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Replacement (TAVR), surgical aortic valve replacement or medical therapy.
A dedicated Valve Clinic Coordinator assists potential patients with navigating
the evaluation and testing process and facilitates the recommendations
of the Collaborative Heart Team and referring cardiologist.
Valve Clinic Evaluations
Medical testing and patient evaluation enable the heart team to assess
the potential for the less invasive TAVR approach for valve replacement.
Tests include:
- Blood tests
- Gated cardiac CTA
- Abdominal and pelvic CTA
- Pulmonary function testing
- Trans-esophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- Frailty testing
Meet Mae... our first TAVR patient at Mary Washington Hospital
Contact your cardiologist with additional questions or for a referral to
one of our surgeons.