Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) or those with a failing surgical aortic valve who are at high risk for complications during open surgery.
With TAVR, an artificial valve is delivered to the heart through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into one of several possible access routes and placed into the diseased valve. The procedure typically takes one hour or less to complete. Patients are then monitored overnight in the cardiovascular care unit (CVCU). With a properly functioning heart valve, patients start to feel better right away with easier breathing and more energy. They usually begin walking the same day as their TAVR procedure and are typically discharged within one or two days to return to everyday activities.
Patent foramen ovale closure
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure that fixes a hereditary hole in the heart and prevents recurrent stroke. Guided by ultrasound imaging, members of our interventional cardiology team place a permanent closure device in the hole through a thin tube (catheter) placed in a vein on the inner thigh. Within a few days of the procedure, heart tissue begins to grow over the PFO closure device. After three to six months, natural tissue completely covers the device, integrating it into the wall of the patient’s heart.
Atrial septal defect closure
Members of our interventional cardiology team perform minimally invasive atrial septal defect (ASD) closures through a thin tube, or catheter) that is placed in a vein in the inner thigh. Our team uses imaging technology such as X-rays or echocardiogram to guide the placement of the catheter and ASD closure device through the vein to the heart.
After successfully placing the closure device in the ASD, our team removes the catheter and monitor the patient after recovery from anesthesia. Additional imaging ensures the procedure was successful. Complications are rare and patients typically return home within a day or so after the procedure.