Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR at Swedish

The aortic valve replacement team at the Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, specially trained nurses and several other specialists who are instrumental in diagnosing and/or treating aortic stenosis.

The team carefully screens each patient to determine which approach is the safest option. Patients undergo a number of tests, including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, CT scan, lung function testing and carotid artery ultrasound. The team also evaluates frailty – a formal diagnosis that looks at strength, mobility, nutrition and tissue integrity. For people outside the Seattle area, the team bundles tests so they can be completed during two visits.

If the team determines that a patient can safely undergo surgery, he or she is scheduled for surgical valve replacement (SAVR). Frail or elderly patients who are not good candidates for surgery are scheduled for TAVR. Some patients who are extremely sick or are very petite and have veins that are too small for a catheter may not be candidates for either procedure.

Appointments & referrals

Physician referral required.

• TAVR Program Referral Form
• TAVR Patient Checklist