Saint Agnes Offers an Alternative to Open Chest Valve Replacement

Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from aortic stenosis (AS), a narrowing or obstruction of the aortic heart valve that prevents normal blood flow. Among this population, an estimated 300,000 have severe AS, which can lead to debilitating symptoms and, if left untreated, death within two to three years of having symptoms.

While surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for replacing a diseased valve, some patients are deemed high-risk or too sick to undergo open-chest surgery. Fortunately, the heart team at Saint Agnes Medical Center offers a nonsurgical treatment option – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Unlike traditional open heart surgery, TAVR allows cardiologists to replace the diseased valve through a small incision in the leg. This much less invasive procedure uses a balloon catheter, and once in position, it inflates, placing the artificial valve and restoring blood flow.

"TAVR is life-saving," says Interventional Cardiologist Alfred Valles, MD. "Patients with severe aortic stenosis who previously were not considered surgical candidates had no treatment options and, unfortunately, often died as a result of their disease. There is no medicine for AS and when not treated it is like a terminal disease."

Benefits of TAVR include feeling greater stamina, physical activity and cardiovascular health. What's more, recovery after TAVR takes just a few weeks, rather than the months associated with standard heart surgery.

"I was involved in some of the first TAVR procedures performed in this country while at the Mayo Clinic. I knew then it was going to be big. Now, we are able to offer this life-changing therapy at Saint Agnes for the San Joaquin Valley!" says Dr. Valles. "With the development of our successful TAVR team, Saint Agnes has become a destination for this cutting-edge therapy. Patients no longer have to travel elsewhere to receive the care they need."

If you or someone you know is suffering from severe aortic stenosis, contact Saint Agnes Medical Center's TAVR Coordinator at (559) 450-VALV (8258) to learn more about the TAVR procedure and available treatment options.