TAVR procedure recommended for me

My wife had the tavr done in 2019 and it already crapped out already. She ended up having it surgically repaired 11/03/2025. When she had the tavr done she did notice a big difference a few days later. Everyone is different. Works for some and not for others. Wish you the best of luck.

There are TAVR studies in PUBMED NIH reports. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

I researched a lot before my TAVR at Mayo Rochester in January of this year at age 76. I believe the life expectancy with severe aortic stenosis is only 2 years so I was very happy to get the surgery. From what I read, there are more strokes with a mechanical deployment of the valve vs balloon deployment which is what I had with the sapiens valve. The same goes for when they insert filters, there are more problems caused when they try to remove them. I had a Left bundle branch block at my one week follow up ECG but it went away and was gone at my one month follow up. Other than that, no issues.

My 84-yr old husband has moderate to severe aortic stenosis but at the last consult (Jan 2026) with the cardiologist who would do a TAVR was told he has Low flow low gradient stenosis so replacement is not a clear cut case. Since he does not experience shortness of breath or chest pain and is happy enough with his “quality of life” which is waking up, doing work on the computer, reading and eating meals we have soldiered on. More recently he has been totally exhausted with even that and we were fortunate to get an appointment with the cardiologist in July. I have no idea whether he will agree to the TAVR since it seems to me that he has been postponing this indefinitely. I would also add that my husband has been ok with the postponement since he knows that the brother-in-law of a friend had the TAVR procedure (at the same hospital) and died. My concern is that as this drags on, my husband is not getting any stronger and therefore recovery might be harder. I would also add that he has many other medical “issues” such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and his kidneys are being monitored but stable. I have also noticed a slowing in mental capabilities and am concerned there is a connection although another cardiologist we see (not the TAVR one) kind of blew that off when we mentioned it .. at the suggestion of our PCP. All I know is that is I see gradual decline, and little hope in sight. I found a Mayo Clinic paper online
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cardiac-disease-linked-to-higher-risk-of-mental-impairment-mayo-clinic-finds/
and am assuming that aortic stenosis falls under the umbrella of “cardiac disease”. In any case, he has an estsblished history of heart disease.
Just confused about how hard to push on having the TAVR done sooner rather than later.
Thanks for listening …

@lcl44 Just on your last question, how hard to push: first, to ensure he's fully on board with whatever you both decide because his understanding of all benefits and risks, and his permission, count for the operating team. Secondly, time and age benefit nobody except procrastinators, and they eventually learn they made the wrong decision...in most cases. With your hubby's various conditions and disorders, time and aging are not going to be salutary. Yesterday may have been his best time ever to get this done. The strains, all of them, including the deteriorating valve, will just accelerate his deterioration.

Not that people don't benefit from a temporary pause or respite, such as when recovering from a sickness or an accident. That much makes sense. But if he's not in any particular duress, nothing else urgent, he'll just get up each day and it will be one day closer to the day when things go south....if you follow. If he's well enough today, get it done tomorrow at the latest.

I hope this doesn't sound cold or unsympathetic. I just mean it to be cold reality. Time will not permit improvements in this case.

Thank you, @gloaming, I appreciate your perspective. For a man who has worked hard all his life, and fixed any problem that came before him, it is soul destroying for him to know that he can’t manage to do those stupid little jobs that would have taken him no time at all not so very long ago. And the decline is hard to watch. But, as our doctor in England said more than 50 years ago,
“Life’s a slow march to the grave.”

I too have had TAVR procedure. I began with being monitored for last 3 years due to problems with valve not functioning as it should. However I was totally asymptomatic… to the point of running on treadmill 2 - 3 times a week. Yet after discussing this with my cardiologist the new medical thought is to get it done sooner than later as even being asymptomatic is no guarantee for the future. Thought process now is if you ( I ) waited till physical conditions start showing up… then that changes entire approach to heart options you have and TAVR may be off the option list. As for me I am back exercising 3 times a week / a substitute teacher / busy with family / feel great… and I’m 73+. Hope this helps.

If it helps read my comments below. I too was 100% asymptomatic!

@jamese I feel you may have inadvertently forgotten to post a link or a quoted text?

@lcl44
Mom was healthy but failing at 96 (confused). Went in for syncope. Needed TAVR. Got it. Sprang back (no half marathons) lived another 14 months and saw great grandaughter. The end was a little dufficult, but hey.

@gloaming
Cardiologist is going to move ahead with scheduling the TAVR this summer. Need catherization to check overall state of the heart’s “plumbing”, e.g. vein grafts from CABG in 1997 and last catherization was 2013 when stents were placed; dental clearance, and meeting with surgeon to discuss action if problems occur during TAVR.

Reassuring to read positive outcomes from @jamese and @shmerdloff.