The Lee Health Heart Institute recently hit a significant milestone—the team has performed more than 2,000 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures! The expert team of interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses began the TAVR program in 2011.
“Lee Health Heart Institute was the first program in Florida and the second one nationally to perform this procedure on patients who weren’t in clinical trials,” explained David Cervantes, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon. “We remain the largest program in Southwest Florida, continuing this level of excellence for our patients and the community.”
Dr. Cervantes, board-certified in thoracic surgery, says the 2,000th procedure milestone demonstrates Lee Health Heart Institute’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular healthcare. TAVR has revolutionized the treatment of severe aortic stenosis, which occurs when calcium builds up on the aortic valve, obstructing the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
“Severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure,” Dr. Cervantes said. “The condition makes the heart work harder to get blood to the body. Like with any muscle, working harder makes it grow bigger. Eventually, severe aortic stenosis can compromise the blood supply to the heart, which can cause heart failure.”
Dr. Cervantes says common symptoms of severe stenosis include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, decreased ability to exercise, and chest pain and pressure.
“Fortunately, aortic stenosis is treatable with the TAVR procedure,” Dr. Cervantes said. “TAVR is minimally invasive, requiring a minor cut to the skin rather than major heart surgery. A medical team, including the cardiologist, works with the patient to determine if TAVR is the best treatment option.”
Dr. Cervantes said TAVR is one of the most rewarding procedures he does. “People literally feel better the next day,” he said. “I’ve had many patients say how great they feel and how they never could have imagined feeling that way.”
I am proud of this program and this team. Congratulations to the Lee Health Heart Institute team on the success of the TAVR program, as they have now helped more than 2,000 people live healthier lives with this life-changing procedure.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
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