Please read this entire page. It contains important information to help you prepare for your TAVR evaluation appointment. Contact the office if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you!
What to expect
The evaluation procedure typically takes 3 to 4 days, which may not be consecutive. During this time, you will have tests and appointments to see if transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the best treatment option for you. This handout includes an example of a standard TAVR evaluation. Your schedule may be different.
Evaluation testing
Your evaluation includes several tests:
- Echocardiogram (Echo).
- Electrocardiograph (EKG).
- Blood tests.
- Chest X-Ray.
- Cardiac MRI.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan of your aorta.
- Ultrasound of your carotid arteries (if you are age 85 or older).
- Pulmonary function testing.
- Heart catheterization (left and right side of your heart).
- Transesophageal Echo (TEE).
- Nuclear Medicine Amyloid scan.
- Other tests, as needed
You will get more information about these tests before you have them. Please let a member of your evaluation team know if you have any questions or concerns.
Typical Evaluation Schedule
Day 1
This may be the longest part of your evaluation. You will spend the entire day at Cleveland Clinic. We recommend bringing someone with you who can stay and help you throughout the day. It is also a good idea to bring snacks and other items you may want or need (phone charger, sweater or blanket, activities to pass waiting times, music player and headphones, etc).
You will have your noninvasive testing done on this day and meet with a cardiologist.
Day 2
If you are scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, you will likely have it on the second day of your evaluation. You will get detailed information about how to prepare for your catheterization and the procedure itself. Please make sure you arrange to have someone to drive you home after the catheterization or the procedure will be cancelled.
Day 3
You will meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon and the TAVR nurse practitioner. You may have other tests scheduled or completed. We will talk about what has happened during your evaluation and prepare for the next steps in your plan of care.
After the evaluation, your healthcare team will review all of your information and decide if you are approved for a TAVR procedure. They will contact you to let you know their decision.
If you are not approved for TAVR, your doctor may talk to you about other treatment options, including medications and surgery. It is possible that other procedures may be better options for you. Please know that some patients are not approved for TAVR because they are not high-risk enough.
What happens if I am approved for TAVR?
Once you are approved for TAVR, we will contact you within 1-2 weeks to schedule the procedure. Your procedure will not be scheduled during your evaluation appointment.
The average wait time for the procedure is 4 to 6 weeks. The nurse who calls you will give you information about how to prepare for your TAVR procedure.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: You need to get clearance from your dentist before you have a TAVR procedure. Please complete and return the dental clearance form as soon as possible.
