Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
In 2014, Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute began offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or (TAVR). It was the first among health care providers in the Florida Panhandle. TAVR is a revolutionary alternative to open heart surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis is a thickening of the aortic valve opening that restricts normal blood flow to the entire body. Patients with aortic stenosis often experience symptoms that include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Aortic stenosis can restrict normal activities like walking short distances or climbing stairs. Severe aortic stenosis is life threatening if left untreated. Studies show that 50% of severe aortic stenosis patients will survive two years on average after the onset of symptoms.
The TAVR team at the Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute is unique to our area. They're the largest team of experts in our area, and they offer a collaborative experience. Board-certified interventional cardiologists partner with highly-skilled cardiothoracic surgeons to complete the procedure.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement 500th Milestone
Our team has now performed more than 500 TAVR procedures. This is a tremendous milestone for our team! We are so humbled to offer this procedure to those in our community who need this level of advanced care. TAVR is saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients in Northwest Florida.
To make an appointment with the physicians of the Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute, please call 850.484.6500.