At the VA Boston Healthcare System’s West Roxbury campus, a quiet revolution in cardiac care has been unfolding over the past decade.
The cardiac care journey reached a remarkable milestone Dec. 18, 2025: 500 transcatheter aortic valve replacements, or TAVRs, performed for Veterans.
“This achievement is more than a number,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Quin, a cardiac surgeon. “It represents lives saved and quality of life restored for our Veterans. Our team’s commitment to innovation and collaboration has set a new standard for structural heart care in the VA system. ”
The past year has been transformative for the program. In addition to reaching the 500 procedure milestone, the team has worked tirelessly to improve patient access, ensuring that Veterans receive timely care without unnecessary delays. These efforts have paid off: West Roxbury VA Medical Center is now the highest-volume TAVR center in VA nationwide.
For Sharon LaRose, a nurse practitioner and Structural Heart Program coordinator, the progress is deeply personal. “We’ve worked tirelessly to streamline access and reduce wait times,” she explained. “Seeing Veterans receive world-class care without delays is incredibly rewarding. This milestone shows what’s possible when patient-centered care drives every decision.”
Innovation has been at the heart of the program’s success. The program introduced electrosurgery for patients previously deemed inoperable, offering new hope to those who had no other option. It also pioneered valve lithotripsy for patients with no valve replacement option, breaking through barriers posed by complex anatomy. For the most complex cases, the team expanded use of temporary mechanical circulatory support, enabling life-saving interventions for Veterans at the highest risk level.
“Our mission has always been to deliver the most advanced therapies to Veterans who need them most,” said Dr. Zaid Almarzooq, director of the Structural Heart Program, reflecting on the broader impact of his team’s achievement. “Achieving 500 TAVRs is a testament to our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. This success is built on a truly collaborative effort — Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, anesthesia, nursing and support staff working together seamlessly.”
The operating room hums with quiet intensity during each procedure, where the OR nurse plays a critical role assessing the patient, preparing the area, assisting the surgical team and helping transition the patient to recovery.
“From preparation to recovery, we focus on precision and safety. It’s inspiring to be part of a program that continually pushes boundaries to improve outcomes,” said Dawn Germain, an OR nurse.
At the catheterization laboratory, commonly known as the “cath lab,” nurses play a critical role in supporting these complex cases, as well. It is equipped with advanced imaging technologies that provide real-time feedback, allowing interventional cardiologists to visualize the heart and position of the catheter and valve. The lab is also equipped to continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs and cardiac function. This is essential for managing any potential complications during the procedure.
“Every case requires coordination, skill and compassion,” said Kristen Ballard, a registered nurse who is part of the cath lab team. “Knowing that our work helps Veterans live longer, healthier lives is what drives us every day.”
As the VA Boston program celebrates the 500th TVAR milestone, its mission remains clear: to lead with innovation, compassion and excellence. The next chapter promises more breakthroughs, but the heart of the work will always be the same — restoring health and hope for those who served.
“Our success is built on teamwork. Nurses, physicians and coordinators work hand-in-hand to ensure Veterans receive the best care. Achieving 500 TAVRs is a testament to that shared commitment,” summarized Kimberly Shattuck, nurse manager.
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