Reading Hospital - Tower Health's cardiovascular team recently performed the first trans-carotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Berks County. Replacing a damaged aortic valve via the carotid artery, located on the side of the neck, is a significant advancement for patients unable to undergo the more common approach through the large artery (femoral) in the thigh. This alternative treatment option provides a lifesaving procedure for patients who are not surgical candidates for the traditional aortic valve replacement and have no other treatment options.
This procedure can be recommended for the sickest patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the heart valves). These patients often suffer from symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, and leg swelling. A patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by aortic stenosis may also be eligible.
"This procedure showcases true synergy across the cardiovascular team," said Eric Elgin, MD, Chief, Section of Cardiology at Reading Hospital. "The patient is evaluated by the Interventional Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, and Vascular Surgery teams, and the procedure itself also involves our cath lab team, operating room team, neurology, and many others."
Christine McCarty, MD, Chief, Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery added, "Though this procedure is only appropriate for a select group of patients, we are proud to offer it at our hospital. It provides an alternative to patients who have no other treatment options available. Recovery time typically requires just one day."
Whether through the carotid artery, or the more common approach through the femoral artery, TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged aortic valve without removing the old, damaged valve. During the procedure, the doctor will make a small incision and insert a short hollow tube called a sheath. The new heart valve is placed within a catheter and compressed to fit through the sheath. Once the catheter reaches the patient's diseased valve, the new valve is expanded into place and secured using the damaged valve leaflets. Reading Hospital has been performing femoral TAVR procedures for 11 years.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.