Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, is a procedure to correct a narrowing of the aortic valve opening.
The visionary alternative to open heart surgery is called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Prairie Cardiovascular at HSHS St. John’s Hospital was the first hospital in downstate Illinois to share this life-saving treatment that’s giving hope to heart patients who need it most.
Precision the Size of a Pencil
Guided by X-ray images, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the upper thigh. With the heart still beating, a collapsible heart valve inside the catheter is guided into the chest. This valve is only about the diameter of a #2 pencil. Once inside, the replacement valve is expanded, pushing aside the damaged valves. The replacement valve is then secured into place, where it begins to function immediately. The catheter is then removed.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive and requires virtually no cutting, most patients can expect an in-hospital recovery time of three days or less.
Main Locations
619 E. Mason St. Springfield, IL 62701
By Appointment Only
Three St. Elizabeth's Blvd., Suite 2800 O'Fallon, IL 62269
By Appointment Only
409 West Oak St. Carbondale, IL 62901
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 4:30 pm
1800 E. Lake Shore Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
By Appointment Only
503 N. Maple Effingham, IL 62401
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 4:30 pm
