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Cardiolucent

Procedure

TAVR — Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

A minimally invasive valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis, performed via catheter rather than open-heart surgery. Coordinated for Cardiolucent members with structural heart programs in Los Angeles.

What it is

A new aortic valve, without open-heart surgery.

TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic stenosis — a narrowing of the aortic valve that, untreated, leads to heart failure and high mortality. A collapsible replacement valve is mounted on a catheter, advanced from a small incision in the groin (occasionally elsewhere), and deployed inside the diseased native valve. The new valve takes over immediately, and patients are typically discharged within 1 to 2 days — a dramatic contrast to the multi-week recovery from traditional open-heart surgical aortic valve replacement.

We coordinate; structural heart teams perform.

TAVR is performed by structural heart programs at major institutions — a multi-disciplinary effort that includes an interventional cardiologist, a cardiac surgeon, imaging specialists, and a dedicated valve clinic. Dr. Kedan coordinates the referral to a trusted structural heart team at Cedars-Sinai or another Los Angeles institution and remains the longitudinal cardiologist managing pre-procedure optimization, peri-procedure communication, and post-procedure follow-up.

Severe aortic stenosis with symptoms or significant cardiac effects.

TAVR is the standard of care for most patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and recent trial data has extended the indication into asymptomatic patients with high-risk features. The decision to proceed is anchored in serial echocardiographic measurements of valve area and gradients, symptom assessment, structural CT planning, and a multidisciplinary heart-team discussion. Dr. Kedan participates in that discussion as the patient's primary cardiologist.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TAVR performed at Cardiolucent?
No. TAVR requires a structural heart program with a hybrid OR/cath lab, multidisciplinary team, and a dedicated valve clinic. Dr. Kedan coordinates the referral to a trusted structural heart center in Los Angeles and remains the longitudinal cardiologist guiding the rest of your care.
How is TAVR different from open-heart surgical valve replacement (SAVR)?
TAVR is performed via a catheter through a small leg incision; SAVR requires opening the chest and using a heart-lung machine. TAVR has shorter hospital stays (1–2 days vs. 5–7), faster recovery (days vs. weeks), and lower upfront morbidity. Recent trials demonstrate equivalent or better outcomes than SAVR across most risk groups, and TAVR has become the dominant approach in the U.S. Open surgery is still the right choice in select anatomic or clinical scenarios.
How long do the replacement valves last?
Current-generation TAVR valves have demonstrated durability out to 10+ years in long-term follow-up studies, comparable to surgical bioprosthetic valves. Younger patients receiving TAVR will be followed serially with echocardiography to watch for any valve deterioration that might warrant a future valve-in-valve procedure (which is now itself a well-established option).
What's the recovery like?
Most patients are discharged 1 to 2 days after the procedure. Activity restrictions for the first week protect the access site; routine activity resumes shortly after. Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended. Dr. Kedan sees you in follow-up shortly after discharge to confirm valve function on echocardiogram and oversee medication adjustments.
What are the risks?
TAVR is remarkably safe in experienced centers, but risks include vascular access complications, stroke, conduction abnormalities requiring pacemaker placement, paravalvular leak (mild leak around the new valve), and rarely valve embolization or mortality. Risk profiles are highly center-dependent — referral to a high-volume structural heart program meaningfully improves outcomes, which is why coordination matters.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.