New Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Surgery TAVR Now Offered in Mason City

February 9, 2022

Patients with aortic valve stenosis are candidates for surgery and have had great results to date!

MercyOne North Iowa Cardiology Specialty Care at the Mason City Clinic is now offering a new minimally invasive heart procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or TAVR for people who have aortic valve stenosis, a condition when the heart’s aortic valve thickens and calcifies preventing the valve from opening fully and limiting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

“This procedure is a big city procedure, and we are now offering it in Mason City, said Fayez Siddiqui, MD, an interventional cardiologist who performs TAVR on patients and was part of the team that was instrumental in getting this procedure to Mason City. “Having a heart procedure is a stressful time for a patient and their families, and in the past, they would have to travel hundreds of miles to get TAVR.  Now it is available to North Iowans close to home.”

Aortic stenosis can cause chest pain, fainting, fatigue, leg swelling and shortness of breath. It may also lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) involves replacing your damaged aortic valve with one made from cow or pig heart tissue, also called a biological tissue valve. In some cases, a TAVR biological tissue valve may be placed into an existing biological tissue valve that is no longer working.

TAVR may be an option if:

*  You have aortic stenosis that causes signs and symptoms.

*  You have an intermediate or high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement. Kidney and lung disease can increase your risk of complications during surgical aortic valve replacement.

*  You have an existing biological tissue valve, but it isn’t working well anymore.

The procedure is similar to a stent procedure where the surgeon will guide a catheter to the heart and aortic valve via the groin to insert an expandable replacement valve which pushes away and takes the place of the diseased aortic valve. It is typically a 2-hour procedure with an overnight stay for patients for observation.

“As an interventional cardiologist it is the most gratifying and satisfying procedure I can do. The patients are elderly, but they are active and independent, yet limited in what they can do. For most patients it is a ‘day and night’ difference. Soon after the procedure they can go on a stroll, they can spend quality time with their families, they can play with their grandkids,” said Dr. Siddiqui.

Click below to listen to cardiologist Fayez Siddiqui, MD, at Mercy One North Iowa Cardiology Care discuss Transaortic valve replacement surgery.

Learn More About Aortic Valve Stenosis

What Is Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis, or AS, is a common but serious valve disease that occurs when the aortic valve hardens and restricts blood flow. Because the aortic valve is used to pump blood to the rest of the body blockages stress out and weaken the heart over time.  Though AS can sometimes be caused by a congenital heart defect (known as bicuspid aortic valve), it more commonly develops in older adults over time due to calcium buildup or scarring.

Who Is At Risk For Aortic Stenosis?

According to the American Heart Association more than 20% of older Americans over 65, have AS.  In young people the most common cause of AS is from a birth defect or if the valve opening doesn’t grow along with the heart as the child develops. Typically, AS begins to develop around age 60, although it often doesn’t show symptoms in patients until they reach their seventies.

What Are The Symptoms Of Aortic Stenosis?

It’s important to note that many people with AS don’t experience notable symptoms until the point where blood flow is greatly reduced and restricted.

Some of the symptoms of aortic stenosis to watch for are:

*  Fatigue

*  Shortness of Breath

*  Chest Pain

*  Rapid Fluttering Heartbeat

*  Dizziness, Lightheaded

*  Swollen Ankles/Feet

*  Difficulty Walking Short Distances

*  Difficulty Sleeping

*  Reduced Ability To Do Normal Activities

Mild cases of aortic stenosis may not need treatment. Medicines sometimes can treat symptoms, but in severe cases the valve will need to be fixed or replaced.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If a blockage is suspected, you may be scheduled for an echocardiogram, a painless, non-invasive ultrasound test that that shows the rate at which your heart is pumping blood and how well the valves are working.

New Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Surgery TAVR Now Offered in Mason City

Patients with aortic valve stenosis are candidates for surgery and have had great results to date!

MercyOne North Iowa Cardiology Specialty Care at the Mason City Clinic is now offering a new minimally invasive heart procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or TAVR for people who have aortic valve stenosis, a condition when the heart’s aortic valve thickens and calcifies preventing the valve from opening fully and limiting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Read full article here: https://mcclinic.com/blog/new-minimally-invasive-heart-valve-replacement-surgery-tavr-now-offered-in-mason-city/

To schedule a consultation or find out more about the excellent services provided by the Heart Center, call 641-494-5300 or visit the Mason City Clinic website: https://mcclinic.com