Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the treatment of choice for many patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis.
What is SAVR?
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a treatment option for patients diagnosed with sever aortic stenosis, a tightening of the aortic valve in the heart. During the procedure, a cardiothoracic surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access your heart. Your damaged or diseased valve will be removed and a new valve will be sewn into place.
SAVR has risks and potential complications, just as any other major surgery. These include blood clots, bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeats, and stroke. If you are not an ideal candidate for open-heart surgery, you may be considered for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive treatment option. TAVR may be a better and safer treatment option for patients who are elderly, frail, deconditioned or have other health problems.
