The TAVR Team L-R: Dr. Jason Ricci (cardiologist), Dr. Mark Zainea (interventional cardiologist), Dr. Kristijan Minanov (cardiothoracic surgeon),
DiAnn Stickney, RN (TAVR coordinator), Dr. Melissa Ianitelli (cardiologist), Dr. Sibin Zacharias (interventional cardiologist),
Dr. Timothy Logan (interventional cardiologist) MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich.—McLaren Macomb, through the Mat Gaberty Heart Center, is the first hospital in Macomb County to offer the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure for aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis. Performed in the cardiac catheterization lab, TAVR is a minimally invasive heart procedure for patients who are at an increased risk for surgery.
The TAVR procedure replaces the aortic valve with an artificial valve (a hybrid of organic tissue supported by a metallic stent) in patients who are at an intermediate- or high-risk for surgery, avoiding their need for invasive open heart surgery.
A narrowing of the aorta, the main artery branching off of the heart, aortic stenosis can keep the aortic valve from functioning properly and opening fully, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the body and causing the heart to overwork and weaken.
“While we can manage the symptoms of aortic stenosis with medication, we can truly treat the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life by replacing the flawed valve,” said Dr. Timothy Logan, an interventional cardiologist with the McLaren Cardiovascular Institute. “Due to many factors, open heart surgery may be too risky for some patients. TAVR, through its innovative means, allows us to offer a less-invasive option to those patients who need it most.”
Utilizing the cath lab’s imaging, a catheter is inserted in the groin and tunneled to the heart, guiding the artificial valve to the malfunctioning aortic valve. The artificial valve is then deployed within the diseased valve after an angioplasty balloon pushes the valve’s leaflets out of the way.
The McLaren Macomb TAVR Team includes an interventional cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon and specially trained support staff. To become qualified to perform TAVR, McLaren Macomb physicians and staff received extensive training.
With more than 200,000 reported cases in the United States each year, aortic stenosis can cause chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath, leading to a decreased quality of life and eventual heart failure.
To inquire about TAVR, call (586) 493-3351. To learn more about cardiac care offered at McLaren Macomb, visit mclaren.org/macombheart.
About McLaren Macomb:
In January 2012, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center became McLaren Macomb.
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County and is also an accredited chest pain center. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/macomb or subscribe to our blog mclaren.org/macombblog.