Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
A minimally invasive approach to treating aortic stenosis
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.
What are the benefits of TAVR?
- Ideal for patients at low, medium or high surgical risk
- Minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery
- Quicker recovery and return to daily activities
Geisinger: The region’s 1st and most experienced TAVR provider
- Regional leader: Geisinger was the first heart program in northeastern and central Pennsylvania to offer TAVR.
- Excellent outcomes: Geisinger TAVR patients have a history of excellent outcomes and long-term success.
- Experience: We perform more TAVR procedures than any other program in the region, which means you’re in expert hands.
Expanding options through innovation
Thanks to our participation in national clinical trials , Geisinger now offers TAVR to patients at low surgical risk — a group that previously didn’t qualify. This means more people can benefit from this life-saving procedure.
Learn more about TAVR
First, speak to your primary care provider or cardiologist . They can refer you to Geisinger’s Valve Clinic — where our specialists will evaluate your condition and discuss treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures like TAVR.
Your health journey starts with a conversation. Trust your instincts. Talk to your doctor.
Treats these conditions
We offer TAVR as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for people with: