Images courtesy of Medtronic

CoreValve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

CoreValve is a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVR) procedure, a minimally invasive treatment option for people with severe aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) occurs when the aortic valve doesn’t open properly. This forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Over time, the heart muscle weakens. Left untreated, severe AS is a very serious, life-threatening condition, leading to heart failure and increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Recent research shows that, left untreated, severe aortic stenosis has about a 50 percent mortality rate at one year.

Symptoms of AS include:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling faint or fainting with activity
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Heart murmur

Treatment

A significant number of severe aortic stenosis patients are at high risk for open-heart surgery, and one-third are altogether ineligible for open-heart surgery. CoreValve is a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement  (TAVR) procedure is a less invasive treatment option than open heart valve surgery.

With CoreValve TAVR, a small incision is made and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) holding the new aortic heart valve is guided to the heart. Imaging equipment is used to guide the position and placement of the new aortic heart valve.  Benefits to CoreValve TAVR include improved heart valve function and blood flow, and reduced symptoms, in fact most patients can expect immediate symptom relief.