Patient story: 3,2,1 heart
By Tucson Medical Center
·
03/29/2019
TMC's Structual Heart team is changing lives by providing an alternative to open heart surgery
Aortic stenosis patient Mary Wedge chose a TAVR procedure to replace her narrowed heart valve. “I can do things I never could have done before the surgery.” Mary is not alone. TAVR, WATCHMAN, and MitraClip are minimally invasive procedures provide patients with more options, faster recovery and less pain that traditional open-heart surgeries - making complex cardiac procedures more accessible for those who need them and changing lives of those who receive them.
TMC tech
The sophisticated procedures require advanced technology to ensure safety and promote strong outcomes. TMC has invested in three state-of-the-art biplane rooms that house the latest imaging equipment which is operated by experienced clinical staff.
“TMC provides the tools and technology cardiothoracic surgeons need to perform best. Most importantly, the processes are safe, consistent and reliable,” said Dr. Raj K. Bose, a cardiothoracic surgeon who performs minimally invasive procedures at TMC.
Cardiac coordinators
Cardiac patients can quickly become overwhelmed if consulting several doctors, specialists or staff. At TMC, patients have a single resource for their questions, concerns and needs.
What is TAVR?
- TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.
- Treatment for aortic stenosis
- Approved for intermediate to high-risk patients
- Minimally invasive - NO open-chest surgery
- Short hospital stay (average 2 days)
What is MitraClip?
The MitraClip transcatheter mitral valve repair is used for:
- Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation
- Approved for high-risk patients
- Minimmally invasive -NO open-chest surgery
- Short hospital stay (average 2 days)
When is the WATCHMAN device implantation appropriate?
WATCHMAN is useful for:
- Treating non-valvular atrial fibrillation and can help reduce the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation
- Most patients discontinue blood thinners within 45 days
- Short hospital stay (average 1 day)
TMC recently celebrated the completition of 300 TAVR, 200 WATCHMAN and 100 MitraClip procedures!
Call (520) 324-2446 for more information about TAVR, WATCHMAN and MitraClip procedures.
