TAVR recovery process

My father had his replaced two summers ago. He is 94 this year. I don't recall specific instructions other than to take it easy as a general post-op recovery from the stress of travel, busted routine, being poked and jabbed, and of course from the anesthesia....which some need a week or more to recover fully from. Some of that is just catching up on sleep if the days leading up to the procedure are anxious ones and sleep is fleeting.

The repair is actually an insertion, like an inner sleeve, that helps the existing aortic valve to function better. It's literally snapped, or sprung, into place, at which it instantly becomes a helper and the heart's ejection fraction through that valve should improve by at least 30%...normally.

There is usually a follow-up imaging to ensure the insertion is in place and oriented properly....IOW, a confirmation visit.

I don't recall any proscription about heavy lifting, going up stairs, etc....straining on the toilet. However, I was not the patient, and not present when the final instructions to my dad were either handed to him in pamphlet form or verbally imparted.

From one site I found with a quick search of the question:

"...You’ll Return to Activities Gradually
In most cases, doctors encourage walking for short periods after TAVR. Gradually, you’ll add activities and intensity over a month or so. Follow all instructions for climbing stairs, lifting things, and resting. Doing too much too fast can cause problems. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to daily activities, driving, work, sex, and leisure activities. It may take several weeks to months before you get back to all of your regular activities, depending on your overall health and heart health..."

Note that the above prescription gives the indication that all TAVR patients are not the same. Some have serious cardiac issues or condition that might require cardiac rehabilitation. My dad, although old at the time, was still out and about, still driving, and walked everywhere else. His heart just had a wonky aortic valve.

Thanks so much for your response as it provided some additional insight. I'm so glad to hear your father's procedure was very successful at an amazing 94 yrs of age!! I know exercise is very important and your father being in such great physical condition I'm sure was a beneficial factor.

I have TAVR scheduled for January 2025 at Mayo Rochester. I need to know how soon after this I can drive since I live alone and am basically a recluse. The problem is that some people have other cardiovascular or health issues that cause recovery time to be longer. I have not had the CT scan yet but based on all the other tests, blood, ecg, x-ray, echo, the aortic valve stenosis is my only health issue. The problem is that even though this is a very simple surgery, in the event of a bad outcome, such as stroke, afib, pacemaker needed because of heart block, or worse case (other than death), they are prepared to go in then and there and do open heart surgery to fix any issues from a TAVR gone awry, so in that case the recovery is awful. I called a local homecare provider in my state and she said, in the case where a patient needs home care after surgery the Mayo social work department will set that up and will contact them directly. So we need to be in contact with the social work team if any post surgery care/rehab is needed. Their number in Rochester is 507-284-2131. My cardiologist at Mayo said the TAVR is getting to be an outpatient procedure, but from what I have researched, if a pacemaker is needed, they will keep you overnight in the hospital for observation. That seems to be a rare event though.

You are going to be legally impaired for at least 24 hours, but maybe twice that in some states/jurisdictions. You should be apprised of this by an intake nurse or handout given/mailed to you in advance, several days. This is due to the aftereffects of the anesthetic.

Otherwise, it is, as you know, a 'day procedure', and you'll be released at most near 1900 hours-ish. You will need a cab, or a friend/relative/good-willed neighbour to drive you back home. From there, take it easy, do things slowly, keep calm, enjoy having the repaired valve right away, and drive when you're legally able to...next day, day after.

Thank you. I forgot about the impairment angle, I was thinking it had to do with the possibility of the wound in the groin opening up and bleeding from driving. I think there is some pain associated with that area also for some time after the surgery, so that would fit into the impairment from pain killers theory. I live in a different state so my son has agreed to fly in from his state and we will stay locally in Rochester a few nights then he can drive me back home. It is about 4 hours so I probably would not be in shape to do that anyway that soon after the surgery.

I called the Mayo Clinic Social Work Department in Rochester. They said when I am admitted to the hospital for surgery there will be a social work staff member on the floor so we can discuss how to set up home care with them at that time in case it will be needed.

There should be no pain. Lift the dressing next morning, so after one sleep, and you can take a shower. Just don't scrub the wound, whether with soap or with the towel afterwards. They say to replace the dressing...if you wish. But, again, no pain. If there is pain, look for suppuration, swelling, redness. Let your GP or the EP know right away,, or get to an ER for treatment.

You won't need any analgesic for the incision in your groin, almost certainly. There can be some 'tightness' or pressure, maybe a bit of an ache now and then, depending on leg action and position of your thigh, but otherwise...nope. I had two ablations, and neither came anywhere close to needing me to grit my teeth or to take an analgesic.