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Bringing advanced TAVR surgery to the Salina area.

Salina Regional Health Center offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery. TAVR is a minimally invasive option compared to traditional open-heart surgery for patients who suffer from aortic stenosis. TAVR patients have a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery time. Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes hardened and narrowed from calcium buildup. In other words, the heart's exit door has become partially blocked, and the heart must work extra hard to pump the same volume of blood to the rest of the body.

Prior to TAVR, treatment options were limited to temporarily improving valve function with medication or replacing the diseased valve through open heart surgery. TAVR involves replacing the aortic valve with a tissue valve via a catheter. With TAVR, the recovery process can be much shorter and less painful.

Aortic stenosis is the most common heart valve disease. Some people are born with the condition, but typically it affects people over 65. Symptoms of aortic stenosis include:

  • Pain, tightness or pressure in the chest
  • Lightheaded ness or dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid, fluttering heartbeat
  • Fainting
  • Difficulty sleeping or sitting up
  • Swollen ankles or feet
  • Difficulty walking short distances
  • Fatigue

Symptoms tend to appear when the condition becomes severe. It is important for you to see your physician immediately if you begin experiencing symptoms. Without appropriate treatment, patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis can die from heart failure in as little as two years.

OUR TAVR TEAM


Richard Toon, MD

Elias Quintos, MD

David L. Battin, MD

The decision to treat aortic stenosis with TAVR is made after consulting with a team of heart specialists working together to determine the best treatment options. Our team includes Salina Regional Health Center's cardiothoracic surgeons-Dr. Elias Quintos and Dr. Richard Toon-and cardiologist Dr. David Battin with the Mowery Clinic in Salina. The TAVR procedure is performed at Salina Regional Health Center.

If you are experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, ask your primary care physician to refer you to the Valve Clinic and we can help determine if the TAVR procedure is right for you. For more information or to request a consultation, please call 785-452-7562.