The basic idea
A valve may become narrowed or may leak. Treatment depends on which valve is affected, how severe the problem is, symptoms, and the rest of your health. Some people need monitoring; others may need a repair or replacement.
TAVR means transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which uses a catheter to deliver a new valve. SAVR means surgical aortic valve replacement. Both replace the aortic valve; they are not treatments for every valve problem. Your valve team considers the scans, your health, and your priorities when discussing the options.
General background: NHLBI: heart valve disease treatment (opens in a new tab). Updated September 22, 2026. About our sources.
Common questions before your next visit
What is the difference between TAVR and SAVR?
Both replace the aortic valve. TAVR delivers a replacement valve through a catheter; SAVR replaces it during heart surgery. These are approaches to aortic valve replacement, not names for every type of valve repair. Source: NHLBI: heart valve treatment (opens in a new tab).
Is TAVR always better than open-heart surgery?
There is no single best choice for everyone. Your team needs to discuss which options fit your circumstances. The American College of Cardiology’s decision aid helps people with severe aortic stenosis compare TAVR, surgery, and symptom management with their treatment team. Source: American College of Cardiology: choosing TAVR or SAVR (opens in a new tab).
Why would a valve be monitored instead of replaced now?
Valve treatment depends on the problem, its severity, symptoms, and other health conditions. Some people are monitored; others need an intervention. Ask your team what has changed and what finding would lead them to recommend a procedure. Source: NHLBI: heart valve treatment (opens in a new tab).
Questions worth bringing to your team
- Which valve is affected, and is the problem narrowing, leaking, or both?
- Why is a procedure being discussed now rather than continued monitoring?
- Am I being considered for repair or replacement?
- What makes surgery or a catheter procedure suitable for me?
- What follow-up and medicines would each option involve?
How a review can help
We can explain the terms in the written reports and the options your treating team has already documented. We help you separate what the notes answer from what still needs discussion.
Useful records to gather
Most recent echocardiogram report, cardiology or valve-clinic note, any CT or catheterization report requested by your team, and your medication list.
Use the complete records checklistSee a sample review
“My aortic valve needs replacing. What is different about the two approaches?”
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Up to 40 relevant pages, a 30-minute phone or video call with a physician, a plain-language summary, and questions for your team. Completed within 48 hours of acceptance, payment, and complete records. Adults in New York.
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