Akron, Ohio –
A 24-year-old Akron Children’s patient recently underwent a groundbreaking heart procedure that could change the lives of countless others. The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, was born with a rare heart defect that affects the way blood flows through the heart. As a result of this defect, he has had to undergo multiple heart surgeries throughout his life.
The most recent surgery was different from any other he had ever had before. It was the first time that Akron Children’s had performed a procedure called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to replace a damaged aortic valve without having to open the chest.
The TAVR procedure was performed by Dr. Christopher Hartley, section head of Interventional Cardiology at Akron Children’s. Dr. Hartley said that the procedure was a success. The patient is now recovering well and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.
Dr. Hartley said that TAVR is a major advancement in the care of patients with heart defects. This procedure has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless patients, he said. We are proud to be able to offer this procedure to our patients at Akron Children’s.
What is TAVR?
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to replace a damaged aortic valve. The procedure is performed through a small incision in the groin. A catheter is then inserted into the artery and guided up to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a new aortic valve is inserted into the heart and the damaged valve is removed.
TAVR is a less invasive procedure than traditional open-heart surgery. This means that patients recover more quickly and have a shorter hospital stay. TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of complications.
Who is a candidate for TAVR?
TAVR is a good option for patients with a damaged aortic valve who are at high risk for complications from open-heart surgery. This includes patients who are elderly, frail, or have other medical conditions.
What are the benefits of TAVR?
TAVR offers several benefits over traditional open-heart surgery, including:
What are the risks of TAVR?
TAVR is a major procedure, and there are some risks involved, including:
The risks of TAVR are generally low, and the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks for most patients.
Kind regards J. Greer.