Powers Health leading the way in minimally invasive TAVR procedures
A routine annual exam took a serious turn for Mark Hittle.
His primary care doctor detected a heart murmur and referred Mark for an echocardiogram. It showed critical aortic stenosis, a heart condition which required immediate attention.
On the same day as his echocardiogram, Mark saw Samer Abbas, MD, an interventional cardiologist and co-medical director of Powers Health Cardiovascular Services and Structural Heart and Valve Clinic.
Mark, an active 70-year-old Lowell resident, was surprised by the news.
“It was quite a jolt to learn that I was in really bad shape in terms of my heart,” Mark said. “Dr. Abbas made it clear that I had a serious condition.”
Within 10 days of the diagnosis, Mark underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, at Community Hospital in Munster.
“The mortality rate for severe aortic stenosis is higher than many cancers,” Dr. Abbas said. “So, when I met Mark, a very active man with critical aortic stenosis, we took quick action to make sure he was treated as soon as possible.”
One of the most common heart valve diseases, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that causes a slowing of blood flow to the heart. This narrowed valve causes the heart to work harder at pumping blood, which may lead to weakening, heart failure and potential death. Certain medications or lifestyle modifications may treat symptoms or delay major problems, but eventually the only successful treatment for aortic stenosis may be valve replacement surgery.
Mark’s choices were to undergo minimally invasive TAVR or endure the rigors of a complex open-heart procedure.
During the TAVR procedure, a new valve is delivered through a small incision in the groin or chest and passes through an artery to the heart. The damaged valve remains in place, and a new valve is positioned to take over the job of regulating blood flow.
Recovery is much quicker with TAVR. It also does not require patients to rely on a bypass machine, which is required for traditional valve replacement surgeries.
“We had a trip planned that I would have missed out on had we gone the open-heart route,” Mark said. “Using TAVR enabled me to get back in action much quicker.”
Now 72, Mark, rarely takes an afternoon nap, something he used to do regularly because he tired so easily. He keeps busy with 4-mile walks with his wife, yard work and volunteering at Kankakee Sands.
“I would certainly recommend TAVR to anyone who is in the same situation I was,” he said. “If it’s an option, I just can’t see going the other route.”
The Powers Health Structural Heart and Valve team was a pioneer of the TAVR program and is one of the most experienced in the Chicago area. Since 2017, more than 1,200 TAVRs have been performed in Community Hospital’s hybrid operating room, which is equipped with advanced video integration technology that aids in real-time imaging and continual medical assessment. A team of fellowship-trained interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons leads the procedures.
Community Hospital has been awarded the American College of Cardiology’s Transcatheter Valve Certification based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.
“The American College of Cardiology certification validates Powers Health’s cardiology program and the high-quality experience and skills of our team to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care,” Dr. Abbas said. “Powers Health is dedicated to providing exceptional care, ensuring our patients have access to the latest innovations in heart health.”
