Transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, also called TAVR, is a minimally invasive procedure. It is done to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly, a condition called aortic valve stenosis. During TAVR, a doctor places a thin, flexible tube into the leg or chest and guides it to the heart. A replacement valve goes through the tube to the correct position in the heart. A balloon on the catheter expands to press the valve into place. Some TAVR valves expand on their own.