JOPLIN, Mo. — Open-heart surgery has been a treatment option for decades. During that time, technology has evolved, giving patients more options and often leading to better recovery.
“Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is essentially a minimally invasive surgical replacement. Instead of cutting open your chest, it involves replacing your heart valve through a small hole in your leg. Preferably a minimally invasive surgery,” said Dr. Vigyan Bhan, an interventional cardiologist.
TAVR surgery is an appropriate treatment for many patients with heart problems, but when it is completed is an important factor.
“Don’t be too early and don’t wait too long. There’s a perfect window in between where patients should be treated with the right treatment strategy,” Dr. Bang said.
TAVR has been available at Freeman Health System for several years, but the benefits for local patients have improved.
“Compared to all patients across the country, patients here at Freeman have improved outcomes after TAVR exchange compared to the majority of centers across the country. I’m proud of it,” Dr. Bunn said.
TAVR is most often chosen for patients with aortic stenosis and the elderly, and in some cases open-heart surgery may still be the best choice.
“I truly believe there will always be a need for open heart surgery. And I think that’s the beauty of medicine that not all treatment options are the same for all patients. It’s about personalizing treatment options for the patient,” Dr. Bunn said.
