Are You a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Treatments?

Our physicians have expertise in all types of heart valve surgeries. If you have mitral valve or aortic valve hardening (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation), you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgical treatment, using specialized surgical equipment, miniature cameras and hybrid techniques. The primary benefit of these procedures compared to open-chest procedures is that they eliminate the need for a large incision through the breastbone, resulting in fewer surgical risks and faster recuperation.

We perform minimally invasive valve surgeries in our surgical suites, which feature sophisticated diagnostics, leading-edge technologies and state-of-the-art imaging capabilities. This environment combines the capabilities of an operating room and cardiac catheterization lab. If required, we also offer conventional open chest surgery. Our treatment offerings include:

Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)

Traditional AVR is considered the gold standard for severe aortic stenosis and other valve disorders. During this open-heart procedure, the damaged valve is replaced with an artificial one.

Transcatheter Aortic Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers an alternative to open-heart surgery. In this minimally invasive procedure, our specialized surgeons use a catheter through a small incision to replace your faulty valve with a new valve while your heart beats. TAVR often provides immediate relief of debilitating symptoms and helps patients live longer, more active lives.

Valve Repair

Depending on your specific condition, your cardiologist might recommend valve repair, rather than replacement. Advantages include decreased risk of infection, maximum heart function and reduced need for blood thinners. Not all valves are repairable, and repair is often more difficult than replacement. Your care team will work with you to decide the best option for your needs.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Offers Individualized Recovery

If you have structural heart disease or any other heart conditions, we offer cardiac rehabilitation as part of our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program . Our cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps you recover with an individualized plan that provides evaluation and instruction on physical activity, nutrition, stress management and other health-related areas as needed. Cardiac rehabilitation can make a significant difference in the lives of heart patients.

• • Coronary artery disease
  • Angina
  • Coronary artery angioplasty or stents
  • Open heart surgery such as coronary bypass or valve surgery
  • Heart failure
  • Heart transplantation

You will also be invited to join Mended Hearts™, a patient-run support group affiliated with the American Heart Association that offers support and encouragement through its visiting program, monthly meetings and educational forums. To learn more, call 207-795-8230.