San Antonio, TX - Methodist Hospital recently performed its 1000th TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure on a patient suffering heart failure. Methodist Hospital is the region’s largest provider of TAVR procedures. This achievement makes them the first heart program in the region and among the top ten percentile in the nation to reach this clinical milestone.
TAVR was introduced to the Methodist cardiovascular network in 2012 and has since offered patients a second chance at life. The minimally invasive procedure was designed to treat patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. This condition often leads to weakening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Eliminating the need for open-heart surgery, the TAVR procedure allows an artificial valve to be implanted through a catheter which is inserted in the artery of the patient’s leg or chest. This treatment offers a less-invasive option to elderly patients considered at high surgical risk.
“Over the past 8 years, we have given 1,000 patients hope for improved quality of life,” commented Interventional Cardiologist, Jorge Alvarez, MD. “In addition to the multiple aortic valve patients we have served over the years, we now apply these therapies to other valves, thus allowing us to provide patients all over South Texas with the most advanced and comprehensive cardiovascular care.”
Methodist Hospital has seen TAVR advance from a last option therapy to now being considered first line treatment for intermediate-risk patients.
“It is an honor to celebrate this achievement with the entire team and are proud to have been at the head of this exciting time in cardiology,” commented Alvarez.