Heart Valve Center

UR Medicine for TAVR

The UR Medicine Advanced Heart Valve Center was the first in the region to perform TAVR and we are the only center in the area that specializes in heart valve disease.

We offer the latest in diagnostic tools, including Cardiac MR, computed tomography and echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal).
Our interdisciplinary team includes cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, to better tailor a treatment to your needs.
We have the widest range of treatment options for all forms of valve disease.

We are the first program in the region to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology with its Transcatheter Valve Certification. This was achieved thru a rigorous evaluation of our program's ability to demonstrate:

Better care
Better prognoses
Better quality of life
Faster treatment
Better communication with patients and families

What is TAVR?

TAVR is short for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. It’s a procedure used to treat severe Aortic Stenosis — a condition in which the aortic valve gets narrower and restricts the flow of blood from the heart. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body. It can eventually lead to heart failure.

TAVR works by replacing the diseased heart valve with either the Edwards Sapien Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) or the Medtronic Corevalve Heart Valve. These artificial heart valves are held in place by a metal stent. Valve leaflets direct the flow of blood out of your heart — just like a natural valve would. This stops further damage to the heart and can help patients live longer.

How can I receive a TAVR procedure?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Aortic Stenosis — which include a heart murmur, shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or lightheadedness — talk with your doctor about getting a referral to the UR Medicine Heart Valve Clinic.

Our team will evaluate and review the risks and benefits to TAVR that are specific to you. The UR Medicine Heart Valve Clinic provides the most comprehensive care in the region for structural heart disease — like aortic stenosis.

Your evaluation will include:

Discussion of your medical history and current medical status
Discussion of possible treatment options
Physical examination
Cardiac catheterization
Heart ultrasound (Echocardiogram)
Pulmonary function test
Heart and major vessel cat scan
Blood work

TAVR is a serious procedure, so this evaluation could take several appointments. Your first appointment will last about two hours. Be sure to bring a list of your medications, your questions — and a friend or family member for support.

How do I get to the Heart Valve Center?

The UR Medicine Advanced Heart Valve Center is located in the Paul Yu Heart Center at Strong Memorial Hospital - 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642. To get to the Heart Valve Center, enter the hospital lobby on the first floor and take the silver elevators down one level to the ground floor. The Paul Yu Heart Center will be on your right.

To make your visit more convenient, we offer valet parking for $2 (for a total parking cost of $8). We also have help ambassadors available at the main entrance. All entrances to the hospital are wheelchair accessible.

Who do I call if I have questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our team at (585) 276-6339 or send an email to tavr@urmc.rochester.edu.

UR Medicine's Advanced Heart Valve Team

A complete team of people—from surgeons to cardiologists, to nurses, technicians and imaging specialists—who all specialize in the treatment of valve disease.

Coordinators:

Betsy Melito, NP
Kari Silver, NP
Marcia Romeo, NP

Cardiac Care