Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Millions of Americans over age 65 suffer from aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the aortic valve, which is one of the four main valves in the heart. Many of these people 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 high risk from open heart surgery may be suited 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 patients.

TAVR is considered a “minimally invasive” method of replacing malfunctioning heart valves, because it does not require large incisions (cuts) 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 then is 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 replace it.

UAB Medicine is Alabama’s leader in the minimally invasive TAVR procedure. We were the first hospital in the state to perform one, and we’ve now completed more than 2,300. In 2022, we completed our first procedure using the self-expanding Evolut FX TAVR system, which provides greater precision and control than previous TAVR systems. We were among the first hospitals in the nation to use this new technology.

Our cardiology and heart surgery programs are consistently ranked among the best of their kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which also ranks our TAVR program as “high-performing” – the highest designation possible. Thanks to our expertise and experience, UAB Medicine’s TAVR patients enjoy lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays compared to the national averages. People who’ve been told by non-UAB Medicine doctors that they need traditional valve surgery can get a second opinion from one of our valve surgeons, to determine if TAVR may be right for them.

The highly experienced surgeons and cardiologists at UAB Medicine provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating valve disease. Our reputation as a leader in aortic valve disease was strengthened in 2018 when 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 that allows for future procedures such as TAVR. This means that if a 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.

To speak with someone directly about your case or schedule a TAVR evaluation, please call 205-975-0448 or email Savannah McKenzie at sgmckenzie@uabmc.edu.

Videos

James Davies, MD | Aortic Valve Replacement

Dr. James Davies appeared on ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama” to discuss UAB’s expertise in aortic valve replacement.
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Ernest Tate TAVR Procedure – Chapter 1

The surgeons and interventional cardiologists of UAB’s structural heart program repaired a serious heart issue with minimally invasive techniques instead of traditional open-heart surgery.
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James Moebes: TAVR Procedure

Because of his age and the severity of his aortic valve stenosis, physicians at another hospital recommended hospice care. Fortunately, Mr. Moebes was referred to UAB for the minimally-invasive TAVR procedure. UAB physicians, who perform more TAVR procedures than any other hospital in Alabama, were able to successfully treat this patient’s condition and offer him a second chance at life.
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Ernest Tate/TAVR Procedure – Chapter 2

The surgeons and interventional cardiologists of UAB’s structural heart program repaired a serious heart issue with minimally invasive techniques instead of traditional open heart surgery.
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Heart Valve Disease

The heart has four valves that are responsible for keeping blood moving through its chambers and around the body. James Davies, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UAB, talks to Daytime Alabama on WVTM-TV, Channel 13, in Birmingham, Ala., about how valve disease can be prevented, detected, and treated.
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Charles Estes – Aortic Valve Stenosis

89 year old Charles Estes was not about to let a heart valve problem slow him down. The WWII vet volunteered to be the first person in Alabama to undergo a new minimally invasive procedure for aortic valve replacement.
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Wade Gladden – Aortic Valve Stenosis

At 90-plus years old, Mr. Gladden’s heart was weakened, he had aortic valve disease and needed multiple procedures. With help from UAB’s team of cardiovascular sub-specialists, the veteran has survived and thrived.
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Gil Barrow – 500th TAVR Patient

Pastor, professional baseball player, heart attack survivor. Gil Barrow has experienced many things in his life, but he never thought the latter would be a part of his story. Now, because of his new opportunities in both health and retirement, he has spread the word about TAVR and the doctors at UAB who helped him get back on the right track.
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Sarah’s Heart

When Sarah Ford found out she needed heart surgery, she made the drive from her home in Dothan to Birmingham to receive treatment at UAB. The experienced surgeons, compassionate staff, and cutting-edge care at UAB made her feel secure and safe.
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