TAVR Evaluation
If you have severe aortic stenosis, our heart team will perform a detailed evaluation to determine the best treatment for you.  

1. Call 888-724-7123 to schedule your TAVR assessment 

2. In preparation for your visit, please obtain and bring:  
  • a list of your medications 
  • your insurance information  
  • if possible any recent CT scans, cardiac echos, x-rays 
  • a list of questions you and your family have for us. 

3.  During your visit, you will typically undergo:  
  • An evaluation by our valve nurse, cardiologist, and cardiac surgeon  
  • Imaging of the heart including a transthoracic echocardiogram (echo):  This provides the team detailed information about your heart function and heart valves.   It takes about 30 minutes to complete; it is painless; and it is performed while you are awake. Even if you have had this test before recently, the team will need a new echocardiogram performed at Barnabas.
  • Imaging of the blood vessels including CAT scan (aka CT scan):   This uses X-ray technology; it takes about < 10 minutes; and typically requires only an IV be placed.
  • Depending on your past medical history, you may require pulmonary function tests, transesophageal  echocardiogram, and/or carotid ultrasound.

4.  You will also be required to undergo a cardiac angiogram (Cardiac Cath).  It will requires a small catheter inserted into the groin, and contrast dye is then injected to visualize the blood vessels in the heart.  You will receive medication as needed to make you comfortable.  This test will not be performed during your initial vist.  This test may be performed at Barnabas or by your regular cardiologist.  

5. Once complete, the team will discuss all of your information and within a week make a recommendation about the best treatment option for you:  
  • Continued medical management: This means that your family doctor or cardiologist will continue to treat your aortic stenosis with medicines.
  • Traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR):  Surgical AVR remains the gold standard for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis in patients with lower surgical risk .  
  • TAVR:  TAVR is proven to be a better option for most patients of moderate and higher risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR).  Though low risk patients may undergo TAVR in certain circumstances.

         Programs

Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email directly to our expert team of doctors.
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 
Send an email here or please call us at 973-926-8032.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss issues regarding heart and aortic disease as well as to coordinate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels. Please call us at 973-926-8032.