1 week Ago
The human heart pumps blood throughout the body, providing oxygen to the brain, gut, liver, kidneys, muscles, and all soft and boney tissue. The aortic valve is the gateway out of the heart, playing its role from early fetal development in not letting blood leak back into the heart once ejected. However, as some people age, the aortic valve can become narrow and stiff, a condition known as aortic stenosis.
Left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to serious health issues, including severe fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting spells, and even death. But now, a new treatment option is available in New Braunfels that is helping patients regain their quality of life without the lengthy recovery times associated with traditional surgery. At CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels, we recently completed our first year of offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), which provides a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.
Since launching in September 2023, the program has brought new hope to patients with severe aortic stenosis in our community and beyond, allowing them to receive advanced cardiac care close to home. The TAVR procedure is remarkable because it does not require the invasive techniques of open-heart surgery. Instead, a new valve is delivered through a small incision, typically made in the groin.
From there, we guide the new valve into place within the existing, damaged valve. This innovative technique essentially pushes the narrowed valve out of the way, allowing the new valve to take over its function, leading to improved blood flow and symptom relief. Symptoms of aortic stenosis can be debilitating.
When the aortic valve doesn’t open properly, people feel chronically tired, have a reduced ability to exercise, experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and may even pass out. A diagnosis is usually suspected from symptoms and a loud heart murmur, with confirmation through an echocardiogram. TAVR can alleviate these symptoms in a matter of days, and nearly all patients go home the next day with a recovery period of only two to five days.
The first year of the TAVR program at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels has yielded excellent results. Patients have reported significant improvements in their daily lives, regaining energy and returning to activities they love. This is especially impactful for elderly patients who may have additional health concerns or those previously deemed ineligible for traditional surgery.
For these individuals, TAVR offers a new chance at better health and mobility. Another hallmark of our TAVR program is our boutique approach to patient care. Unlike larger institutions, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels provides highly individualized attention.
Remarkably, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels is one of only approximately 850 hospitals in the country offering this live-saving procedure. Our team works closely with each patient to streamline the treatment process, from scheduling initial evaluations to coordinating the necessary pre-operative tests. We ensure every patient receives an education session to help them understand the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
We guide them through every step, addressing their fears and preparing them for a successful recovery. This dedication to patient-focused care extends beyond the TAVR program. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital is committed to enhancing the lives of New Braunfels residents and the surrounding community by making leading-edge medical treatments accessible.
The success of our TAVR program is a testament to providing top-quality, compassionate care to those we serve..
