Our thanks to the members of the media who covered Trinity Health System’s celebration on Tuesday of the 200th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure, a groundbreaking alternative to open heart surgery.
“The TAVR procedure is improving the quality of life for residents of our community,” Laurie Labishak, Market Director, Marketing & Communications, Trinity Health System, said. “Having the procedure done close to home has made it much more accessible than in years past.”
Here’s a sampling of the news coverage, along with links to the full stories:
Herald-Star: Trinity celebrates 200th minimally invasive heart surgery by Christopher Dacanay
PATIENTS — Physicians with Trinity Health System’s interventional cardiology division stood with Trinity’s previous transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients, celebrating the 200th TAVR performed at Trinity Tuesday. — Christopher Dacanay (Herald-Star)
STEUBENVILLE — Celebrating the 200th minimally invasive heart surgery performed at Trinity Health System to date, staff and patients noted the procedure’s success and benefits Tuesday.Offered by Trinity since 2021, transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an alternative to open-heart surgery that does not require the surgical cutting of the sternum, known as “cracking the chest.” Instead, TAVR sees a catheter inserted through the patient’s blood vessel — usually in the chest or groin — to push out and replace the heart’s malfunctioning aortic valve.
As Trinity’s 200th TAVR patient recovered upstairs, physicians and previous TAVR patients gathered in Trinity Medical Center West’s main lobby to recognize the milestone.
Dr. Triston Smith of Trinity’s interventional cardiology division noted the fears and doubts that preceded the health system’s offering TAVR. Despite questions about viability, the system persevered to begin offering the procedure “because we knew this was something that was possible.”
Smith emphasized that the latest operation marked not only 200 TAVRs but 200 “successful” TAVRs, noting that all 200 patients have come out alive.
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WTRF: Trinity Health Celebrates Major Milestone by Brendan McNamara
Steubenville, OH (WTRF) Trinity Heath celebrated their 200th TAVR procedure, or Transcatheter Valve Replacement.
The TAVR procedure is used to replace an aortic valve that has become narrow without opening the patient’s chest.
Instead, a flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or chest area, to reach the heart.
The biologic valve is sent through the catheter and then a balloon opens to put it in place.
“These are 200 patients who did not have to leave the area to seek care. Not just 200 patients who didn’t have to leave the area, but 200 patients who have successfully undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement right here in the valley.” — Dr. Triston Smith – Cardiovascular Medical Director
“I needed to have this done right away, that they put me on this fast track to have my valve replaced. And I was very impressed with the cardiologist staff that he sent me to. Everyone was very friendly, very knowledgeable, was willing to answer your questions and talk to you and explain all the services to you.” — Connie Cunningham – TAVR Patient
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WTOV: Trinity Health System celebrates 200th successful aortic valve replacement by Jessica Riley
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Just a few years ago, Trinity Health System introduced a minimally invasive procedure called the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure.
That procedure, which replaces an aortic valve that is narrowed and doesn’t open fully, is now celebrating 200 successes.
Robert Cooper, a TAVR patient, he says he’s grateful for this procedure to be available close to home.
“I might not be here without the procedure,” he said. “When you have restricted aortic valve, your time is limited.”