Reno, Nevada (May 16, 2023) – The cardiology team at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, recently completed a milestone 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, which is a minimally-invasive treatment for patients with severe heart disease. The program, which started in 2018, leverages state-of-the-art technology to deliver safe, focused treatment for patients suffering from potentially life-threatening heart valve disease. TAVR procedures are considered some of the most advanced interventions available for those suffering from heart disease, and Saint Mary’s is honored to offer access to such an innovative treatment option.
“We are proud to bring this life-changing procedure to the Northern Nevada community,” added Saint Mary’s cardiac services director, Kimberly Simpson. “Performing the 500th case is a remarkable achievement, and is a testament to the care and dedication of the entire clinical team.”
According to clinical studies, TAVR has been shown to offer patients dramatic increases in quality of life with a shorter recovery window. While other alternatives typically require a prolonged inpatient stay of at least one week, patients undergoing TAVR may only require one to two days of hospital recovery. Moreover, TAVR patients typically return to their daily activities within one to two weeks, as opposed to the several months usually required for open heart surgeries.
Saint Mary’s is proud that principles of its TAVR program have been widely adopted by several leading hospitals throughout the country. The program’s exceptional reputation within the medical community has led to many national distinctions, such as Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center being recognized by Fortune as the 3rd best cardiovascular hospital in the U.S. In addition to this prestigious recognition, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center also recertified its structural heart program through the American College of Cardiology, making Saint Mary’s the only structural heart-accredited program in all of Nevada.
Symptoms of breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, palpitations, a decline in activity level, and a heart murmur could indicate being a candidate for a TAVR procedure. While symptoms primarily affect seniors over the age of 70, some patients experience symptoms as early as 60. If you are interested in learning more about this innovative therapy or scheduling a consultation, please visit our website for more information.