Heart Health
Breakthrough in aortic valve treatment
Transcatheter procedure eliminates surgery for some.
Cardiologists are increasingly enthusiastic about a new technique for replacing failing aortic valves without open-heart surgery. As discussed in the February 2012 Harvard Heart Letter, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lets a new valve be delivered to the heart through a catheter inserted in an artery in the groin. In clinical trials at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and 24 other academic medical centers, TAVR was clearly beneficial in very sick people with damaged aortic valves who were poor candidates for surgery. Interest in the technique continues to grow, since the results of TAVR in healthier people with valve disease are encouraging.
"TAVR is the most exciting therapeutic innovation in cardiovascular disease in the past 20 years. I have patients whose downhill course has been completely reversed by this technology," says Dr. Andrew Eisenhauer, director of the interventional cardiovascular medicine service at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
