FORT WAYNE —  The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Clinic and Structural Heart Disease Program teams, located within the Parkview Heart Institute, have given more than 100 individuals a new lease on life with the implant of an artificial heart valve. On Nov. 14, Roland Swan from Fremont became the 100th patient to receive an artificial heart valve at Parkview, via a procedure known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Since the introduction of TAVR at PHI, physicians have also expanded the number of patients who are eligible for the procedure from only those at high risk to also include those at intermediate risk.

“TAVR is an exceptional treatment alternative to surgical valve replacement for select patients with severe aortic stenosis or those at an intermediate risk,” said Roy Robertson, MD, president, Parkview Heart Institute, and interventional cardiologist, Parkview Physicians Group – Cardiology. Dr. Robertson completed Swan’s valve replacement, along with Douglas Gray, MD, Parkview Physicians Group – Cardiovascular Surgery. “We are extremely pleased with the success we’ve had with the TAVR procedure. We are able to offer patients with complex heart disease more treatment options with improved clinical outcomes in the structured environment of the Valve Clinic and Structural Heart program and their associated, dedicated staff.”

The TAVR is minimally invasive and offers significant benefits to patients. It is the only treatment option for aortic heart valve replacement that is performed on a beating (non-arrested) heart, eliminating the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. Other benefits include the near immediate relief of symptoms, an average stay of less than four days and a shorter recovery time.

“This treatment modality translates into increased life expectancy and a drastic improvement of our patients’ symptoms,” said Dr. Gray.

Swan’s valve replacement took less than three hours to complete and he was able to return home after just two days in the hospital. Days before the procedure, Swan and his wife celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In fact, his surgery fell on his wife’s birthday. Swan considers his new heart valve a birthday present to his wife and he’s looking forward to becoming active again, especially at his favorite golf courses next spring.

“The teams from the Valve Clinic and the Structural Heart program collaboratively evaluate the complex, diverse group of patients who may be eligible for the TAVR procedure and create individualized treatment plans based on age, risk and degree of frailty,” added Dr. Gray.