Tanner Heart Care Introduces Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Procedure

Tanner Health announces the launch of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at Tanner Heart Care, giving patients in west Georgia and east Alabama a leading-edge treatment option for severe aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve - the heart's outflow valve - becomes narrowed, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the body. Severe aortic stenosis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, and if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

TAVR offers a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart valve replacement. Using advanced imaging guidance, physicians insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter - usually through the femoral artery in the leg - and deliver a new valve to the heart. The new valve is expanded inside the diseased valve, pushing the old leaflets aside and immediately improving blood flow.

"TAVR is an exciting step forward for heart care in our community," said Christopher Arant, MD, FACC, FSCAI, an interventional cardiologist on the Tanner Heart Care team and with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists. "For many patients, this approach means less physical stress, shorter hospital stays, improved quality of life and a faster return to everyday activities. It can be especially valuable for those who might not be able to tolerate open-heart surgery. Large studies have demonstrated that TAVR provides similar or even lower rates of procedure-related complications when compared to surgery, making it a compelling option for many patients with severe aortic stenosis."

Initially developed for high-risk surgical patients, TAVR is now available for many patients at intermediate or even low surgical risk, depending on age, anatomy and overall health. Tanner's multidisciplinary heart team - including interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and imaging specialists - evaluates each case individually to determine the safest and most effective approach.

"The launch of our TAVR program is a major milestone in expanding advanced heart care for our community," said Shazib Khawaja, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, chief of interventional cardiology and chair of heart and vascular services at Tanner Health. "Aortic stenosis carries significant morbidity and mortality. TAVR is an effective treatment for those with sever aortic stenosis and leads to significant improvements in quality of life. We are proud to bring this life-changing therapy close to home, so patients no longer need to travel for cutting edge cardiovascular care."

There are several benefits of TAVR for patients:

• No need for open-heart surgery in eligible patients
• Smaller incisions and less discomfort
• Shorter recovery times - often days, not weeks
• Excellent long-term outcomes in selected patients

TAVR is performed in one of Tanner's advanced cardiac catheterization labs, which is equipped with the latest imaging and monitoring technology for precision and safety. Most patients walk within hours after the procedure or by the next morning and return home in one to three days.

For more information about TAVR, visit tanner.org/TAVR.