A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) — also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) — is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that enables us to correct a damaged valve without removing it. Instead, a replacement valve is inserted within it, creating a valve within a valve.
This technique differs from standard valve replacement surgery because it can be done through small incisions and does not require a sternotomy (surgical opening of the chest). This key difference significantly improves your recovery time and lowers your risk of infection and complications.