In a breakthrough procedure, the only facility in Alaska offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, has given patients like David Dean a second chance at life.
The Symptoms of a Heart Problem
David Dean experienced symptoms that left him short of breath, and doctors confirmed his aortic valve had dangerously narrowed, making his heart work overtime.
- Fatigue
- PRESSURE on the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Traditional heart problems
The traditional approach of open-heart surgery often comes with weeks or months of recovery time, but TAVR offers a more convenient and less invasive solution.
The TAVR Procedure
Cardiologist Dr. Stan Watkins explained how it all happens.
- 1. The procedure is done with a stent, basically, that’s crimped onto a balloon, put onto over a wire, in through the leg, up to the heart, through the aortic valve, and while the heart’s still beating, we can inflate this balloon, which pushes the old valve out of the way.
- 2. And deploys the new valve in place.
- 3. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
By his side, Dr. Watkins demonstrated the simplicity of the procedure.
“It’s a stent, basically, that’s crimped onto a balloon, put onto over a wire, in through the leg, up to the heart, through the aortic valve, and while the heart’s still beating, we can inflate this balloon, which pushes the old valve out of the way. And deploys the new valve in place,” Dr. Watkins explained.
The TAVR procedure has come a long way since its introduction 10 years ago, with advancements allowing patients to undergo the procedure while awake and with no general anesthesia.
Success Stories
For many patients, TAVR is now so advanced that it can be done while they are completely awake, with no general anesthesia.
- Minimal downtime, and patients can go home the next day
- Patients can fully recover within a week
- Advancements in the procedure have given new hope to countless patients
For David Dean, the results were nothing short of miraculous.
Conclusion
David Dean’s story is a testament to the innovation and advancements in heart health that have made TAVR a viable and effective solution for patients like him.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve with a new one.
- Stent: A small, hollow tube that is inserted into the heart to support or replace a valve.
- Aortic valve: The valve located at the entrance of the heart, which allows blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Heart health, made easier, one procedure at a time.
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