Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center completes its 1000^th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. A TAVR procedure is a minimally invasive, advanced treatment for severe aortic stenosis. The milestone surgery was completed by structural cardiologist Dr. Augusto Villa.

“One of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s hallmarks is our cardiac care, achieving this milestone means that we continue to be a trusted community resource when it comes to heart health,” said Erik Cazares, the hospital’s CEO. “We were the first hospital to complete open-heart surgery in Palm Beach County in the 1980s and have continually invested in some of the latest medical technology. This milestone is a full circle moment for us since the TAVR is a great option for someone who isn’t a candidate for open-heart surgery.” 

When a patient has a tight or stiff aortic valve, called aortic stenosis, it reduces blood flow to the body. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Aortic stenosis can also lead to syncope, where patients can pass out, or even sudden cardiac death.

TAVR has become a more straightforward and streamlined procedure after many years of fine-tuning and improvements in technology and techniques. Here is how it is completed: A fully collapsible replacement valve is introduced into the body through an artery, typically in the groin. The valve is carefully navigated to the patient’s aortic valve, and then the replacement valve is expanded, pushing the old valve leaflets out of the way.