Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

An accomplished cardiac surgeon, Dr. Hartmuth Bittner serves Cardiac Surgery Associates S.C. He is the founder of the Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute. Dr. Hartmuth Bittner is experienced in heart failure surgeries such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, TAVR.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery involves removing and replacing an aortic valve that does not open correctly because of aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis happens if a valve calcifies and thickens to the point that it no longer fully opens. Aortic stenosis symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and difficulties in breathing, and the condition can lead to heart failure or cardiac death. This procedure is usually done for people who have complications resulting from open-heart surgery.

TAVR is a risky procedure, and it can lead to complications. Usually, when a patient needs to have this surgery, they consult with a team of specialists regarding all options before proceeding. TAVR can relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of death, while also improving the patient's quality of life.