What Is TAVR? 

A simple, minimally invasive heart valve replacement

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a breakthrough procedure used to treat aortic stenosis  — a condition where the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow. Unlike traditional open heart surgery, TAVR is performed through a small incision, typically in the groin.

Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, your doctor guides a specially designed replacement valve into your heart. This new valve is carefully positioned inside your existing, damaged valve — without removing it. Once in place, the new valve expands and begins working immediately, restoring healthy blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body.

The procedure is often completed in under an hour, and most patients have less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

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At Geisinger, we use the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Ultra RESILIA™ transcatheter heart valve, a leading-edge device known for its durability, safety and long-term performance. This valve is made from advanced tissue and materials designed to last, offering patients a reliable solution with excellent outcomes.