transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Pronunciation: TAV-arr
Also written as: TAVR — transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Minimally invasive procedure to replace aortic valve using catheter-delivered prosthetic valve, typically via transfemoral approach.
Full Definition
A percutaneous intervention (TAVR or TAVI) for treating severe aortic stenosis using a collapsible prosthetic valve delivered through a catheter system, most commonly via the femoral artery but also through alternative access routes including transapical, transaortic, or subclavian approaches. The procedure involves positioning and deploying a balloon-expandable or self-expanding valve within the diseased native aortic valve without surgical removal of the calcified leaflets. Originally developed for high-risk surgical patients, TAVR has expanded to intermediate and low-risk populations based on clinical trial evidence demonstrating non-inferiority or superiority to surgical aortic valve replacement in various risk groups.
Usage
Usage note: TAVR and TAVI used interchangeably; TAVR more common in US literature, TAVI in European literature.
In Context
- "Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was performed via transfemoral approach in 89% of enrolled patients." — Procedural methodology
- "The primary endpoint was the composite of death, stroke, or rehospitalization at 30 days post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement." — Clinical trial design