Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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• A TAVR is a procedure to replace your aortic valve. It is done without removing your old valve. The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta. The left ventricle is the lower left chamber of your heart. The aorta is a blood vessel that pumps blood to your brain and body. The aortic valve opens and closes to let blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body.
• TAVR may be used to replace your aortic valve if open heart surgery is not safe for you. Your valve will be replaced with a tissue valve. The tissue may be taken from an animal, such as a pig or cow.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.
• Your wound gets swollen quickly.
• Your heart is beating faster or slower than usual.
• Your arm or leg feels numb, cool, or looks pale.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You feel weak or dizzy.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Your wound looks more bruised or there is new bruising near your wound.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip does or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
• Acetaminophen helps decrease your pain. This medicine is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much medicine is safe to take, and how often to take it. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Coumadin
• aspirin
• warfarin
• Ecotrin
• Persantine

Care for your wound as directed:

Ask your provider when your wound can get wet. Carefully wash around the wound with soap and water. Do not scrub your wound. You can let soap and water gently run over your wound. Gently pat dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Check your wound every day for signs of infection such as swelling, pus, or redness. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put lotions or powders on your wound. Do not take a bath or swim until your provider says it is okay. These activities can increase your risk for a wound infection.

Activity:

Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds or do vigorous activities such as sports. These actions will put too much stress on your wound and heart. Take short walks around the house several times a day. This will help prevent blood clots. Ask your provider what other activities are safe for you to do. Also ask when you can return to your normal activities and work or school.

Self-care:

• Eat heart healthy foods. You may need to eat foods that are low in salt, fat, or cholesterol. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask your provider for more information about a heart healthy diet.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Nicotine can also slow healing. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Do not drink alcohol. Ask your cardiologist if it is safe for you to drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider how much you should weigh. Extra weight can increase the stress on your heart. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
• Exercise as directed after you recover. Your provider can help you create an exercise plan that is right for you. Exercise will help keep your heart healthy.

Ask your healthcare provider if you need antibiotics before procedures:

Some procedures may allow bacteria to get into your blood and travel to your heart. This can cause an infection in your heart and prevent you from healing. You may need antibiotics before certain procedures that happen in the next 6 months to prevent infection. This may also include certain dental procedures. Ask your provider for more information.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return for tests. These tests will make sure your valve is working correctly. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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