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MARIETTA - The Heart and Vascular Institute of Memorial Health System announced the completion of its 200th transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive heart procedure.
“This milestone highlights the hospital's ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier cardiovascular care and advanced treatment options close to home,” Memorial said in a press release.
TAVR is an advanced alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis -- a dangerous narrowing of the aortic valve that reduces blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, the release said. Instead of open surgery, physicians access the heart through a small incision (typically in the groin), guiding a replacement valve to the site. This approach offers significant benefits, including shorter hospital stays, minimal scarring and faster recovery times, it sayd.
“Reaching our 200th TAVR procedure is a proud moment for our entire cardiac team,” said Dr. Jason Schott, interventional cardiologist. “It reflects the skill, dedication, and seamless teamwork of our interventional cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff.”
For many patients in the region, having access to advanced structural heart procedures locally means avoiding travel to distant metropolitan medical centers for specialized treatment, the release said.
"This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to receive life-changing valve replacement without the need for traditional open-heart surgery, and many patients can return home the very next day. Providing this level of care close to home makes a meaningful difference for our patients and their families," said Ashley Nutter, senior director of Memorial Health System's Heart and Vascular Institute.
“This program has transformed how we care for our patients with severe aortic valve disease,” said Katie Fleming, structural heart coordinator. "The best part of each TAVR is seeing patients regain the energy and confidence to enjoy their lives again. Being there to support them through each step of TAVR is a blessing, and reaching our 200th procedure makes that especially meaningful."
Patients experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis -- such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting -- are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or contact the Department of Cardiology at 740-568-5207 to see if a TAVR evaluation is appropriate.