Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis.
This advanced treatment provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. For many patients, especially those considered high-risk, TAVR offers a lifesaving option where one may not have existed before.
Stony Brook Heart Institute was the first in Suffolk County to perform the TAVR procedure. Our renowned team's skill and experience provide world-class cardiac care to Long Islanders, right here at home. We offer this advanced procedure to low, intermediate and high-risk patients, expanding access to this life-changing treatment.
Conditions Treated
Aortic stenosis is a serious condition where the heart's aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow to the rest of the body. When this condition becomes severe, it can be life-threatening.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) replaces the damaged aortic valve without invasive open-heart surgery. Instead of removing the old valve, our specialists use a minimally invasive catheter-based method to insert a new one.
Benefits of TAVR
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is performed without a large incision, reducing complications.
- Faster recovery: Full recovery often occurs within days, not months.
- Minimal sedation: Most patients require only minimal sedation, not general anesthesia.
- Shorter hospital stay: Many TAVR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, though some patients may require a brief hospital stay of about 48 hours.
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary TAVR team has years of training and experience in cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and valve surgery. This enables us to use the TAVR technology effectively in treating aortic stenosis and to provide comprehensive care for our patients.
Cardiovascular Imaging
Interventional Cardiologists
Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Cardiac Anesthesiologists
- Jeremy Poppers, MD
- Derek Atkinson, MD
- Adrian Fischl, MD
- Igor Izrailtyan, MD
- Renata Kowal, MD
- Peter Oleszak, MD
- Bharathi Scott, MD
- Eric Zabirowicz, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
In November 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Edwards SAPIEN aortic valve replacement device for use in treating patients with severe native aortic valve stenosis who have been determined by a cardiac surgeon to be inoperable for open (conventional surgery) aortic valve replacement, and in whom co-existing illnesses would not preclude the expected benefit from correction of the aortic stenosis.
Yes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the TAVR procedure for coverage on May 1, 2012.
There are still risks associated with TAVR, as with surgical aortic valve replacement. These risks should be taken into consideration when discussing the TAVR procedure with your cardiologist.
The average time required to perform the procedure is four to five hours.
Recovery time averages from one to two weeks.
