Latest Advancements in TAVR Procedures

Clinical Clif Notes Tips & Tricks
February 8, 2023 by Tom Harmon

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. The traditional surgical approach to aortic stenosis is an open-heart procedure called aortic valve replacement (AVR), which involves stopping the heart, opening the chest, and replacing the aortic valve. TAVR, on the other hand, is performed through a small incision in the leg or chest and does not require stopping the heart or opening the chest.

In recent years, advancements in TAVR technology have led to the development of new TAVR methods that offer improved outcomes, greater ease of use, and expanded patient eligibility. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the newest TAVR methods and their benefits.

  1. Self-Expanding TAVR

Self-expanding TAVR is a type of TAVR that uses a self-expanding valve that is delivered to the aortic valve via a catheter. Once the valve is in place, it opens up and takes the shape of the native aortic valve, allowing blood to flow freely. One of the benefits of self-expanding TAVR is that it can be performed through a smaller incision, which results in less trauma to the surrounding tissue. This is particularly important for patients who may not be able to undergo open-heart surgery or who have smaller blood vessels that may not be suitable for traditional TAVR.

  1. Transfemoral TAVR

Transfemoral TAVR is a minimally invasive TAVR procedure that is performed through a small incision in the leg, rather than through an incision in the chest. This approach is becoming increasingly popular because it is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional TAVR. Additionally, transfemoral TAVR may be a good option for patients who have already had open-heart surgery or who have limited mobility due to other medical conditions.

  1. Transapical TAVR

Transapical TAVR is another minimally invasive TAVR method that involves accessing the aortic valve through an incision in the chest. This approach is often used for patients who have calcified blood vessels or who have difficulty accessing the aortic valve through the leg. The transapical approach allows the TAVR team to navigate around these obstacles and place the valve with greater precision, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced risk of complications.

  1. Balloon-Expandable TAVR

Balloon-expandable TAVR is a type of TAVR that uses a balloon catheter to expand the valve and secure it in place. This method is typically used for patients with aortic stenosis who are considered high risk for open-heart surgery. The balloon-expandable approach offers several benefits, including a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Additionally, the balloon-expandable approach can be performed in a shorter amount of time and requires less specialized equipment, making it a good option for patients who live in remote areas or who have limited access to healthcare.

  1. Direct Flow TAVR

Direct Flow TAVR is a newer TAVR method that uses a unique valve design that allows for improved blood flow and reduced turbulence. This method is designed to be used in patients with severe aortic

stenosis who are at high risk for complications with traditional TAVR. The Direct Flow TAVR valve is designed to allow for improved blood flow, which can result in better outcomes and reduced risk of complications. Additionally, the Direct Flow TAVR valve is self-centering, which means that it can be adjusted to match the size and shape of the native aortic valve, resulting in a more secure and stable placement.

  1. Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)

While TAVR has traditionally been used to treat aortic stenosis, recent advancements have led to the development of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), which is a similar minimally invasive procedure used to treat mitral stenosis. TMVR involves the use of a catheter to access the mitral valve and replace it with an artificial valve. This procedure has been shown to be effective in patients with severe mitral stenosis who are at high risk for open-heart surgery, and it offers many of the same benefits as TAVR, including a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery time, and reduced risk of complications.

In conclusion, TAVR has come a long way in recent years, with new methods offering improved outcomes, greater ease of use, and expanded patient eligibility. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a patient considering TAVR, it is important to be aware of the latest advancements and to work with a team of experts to determine the best approach for your individual needs. With the continued development of TAVR and related technologies, we can expect to see even more exciting advancements in the future, offering patients with aortic and mitral stenosis more options for minimally invasive and effective treatment.