ETMC Institute offers new heart procedure

The ETMC Cardiovascular Institute now offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the latest minimally-invasive procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis. “Many of these patients are not candidates for traditional open-heart valve replacement surgery. This new technology, TAVR, allows us to treat patients with a life-threatening condition that previously had limited or no treatment options, “said Dr. Thaddeus Tolleson, cardiologist with Tyler Cardiovascular Consultants, PA. “ETMC once again has demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of East Texans by being the first and only hospital in Tyler to offer this groundbreaking technology.” Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent form of valvular heart disease and affects up to 1.5 million Americans. The disease is age-related and caused by a buildup of calcium deposits, which results in the valve narrowing and stiffening, impairing its ability to open and close properly.

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