Please read this entire page. It contains important information to help you prepare for your TAVR evaluation appointment. You will receive more detailed information if you are scheduled for a TAVR procedure. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
What to expect
The evaluation procedure typically takes 3 days. This time is needed to complete the tests and appointments to see if transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the best treatment option for you. This handout will help you understand what to expect during a standard evaluation. We ask that you remain flexible, as we may need to make changes to your schedule after you arrive at Cleveland Clinic. Please contact the Nurse Coordinators if you need anything. We are happy to help!
Coming to Cleveland Clinic
If you do not live close to Cleveland Clinic, please plan to arrive in the area the day before you start your evaluation. Your first appointment may be early in the morning, and it is best to be well-rested and ready to start your evaluation on time. You should plan on going home the day after your last appointment.
Evaluation testing
You will need several tests to see if you are eligible for a TAVR procedure. These tests include:
- Echocardiogram (Echo).
- Electrocardiograph (EKG).
- Cardiac MRI.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan of aorta.
- Ultrasound of carotid arteries (if you are age 85 or older).
- Pulmonary function testing.
- Heart catheterization (left and right side of heart).
- Transesophageal Echo (TEE).
- Chest X-Ray.
- Blood tests.
You may need other tests during your evaluation.
Typical Evaluation Schedule
Day 1
This is 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 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 let us know if you have any questions.
Day 3
You will meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon and have any other tests you need. 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. It is important to 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 important instructions to prepare for your procedure.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: You need to get clearance from your dentist before you have the procedure. Please see the form included in the pre-evaluation folder.
