Structural heart program near Denver
HealthONE's is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Our team of highly trained cardiac specialists performs more than 450 heart surgeries annually. We also have some of the lowest complication rates in the state of Colorado. This is, in part, because we offer dedicated heart surgery programs, specialized treatments for heart failure and a multidisciplinary approach to treating vascular conditions.
To learn more about HealthONE's structural heart program, call (303) 575-0055.
Treatment for valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease refers to damage in one of the four heart valves: mitral, aortic, tricuspid or pulmonary. Valves that are functioning normally make sure blood is flowing through the heart in the right direction at the right time. Valvular heart disease occurs when the valves become too narrow or cannot close completely.
Treatment options for valvular heart disease include:
- Antibiotics or long-term antibiotic therapy
- Antithrombotic (clot-preventing) medications
- Blood-thinning medications for patients who have atrial fibrillation (AFib) or continue to have transient ischemic attacks (TIA, sometimes referred to as a "mini stroke")
- Valve surgery (to repair or replace a damaged valve)
Heart valve consultation and treatment
Our physicians are specialists in heart valve consultation and treatment. We provide traditional valve replacement surgeries as well as minimally invasive treatment methods for patients with aortic stenosis. Our interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons work closely with referring doctors to establish a personalized plan of heart care.
The most effective treatment option for aortic stenosis is valve replacement. The two primary approaches we provide are:
- Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR): SAVR is an open-heart surgery in which the aortic valve is removed and replaced with a valve that is either mechanical or biological (made from human or animal tissue).
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): TAVR is an innovative, catheter-based approach to aortic valve replacement. It is typically for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered intermediate- or high-risk for surgery and unable to undergo SAVR.
Whether you are having TAVR or SAVR, our expert team will work with you and your referring physician. We will create a treatment plan that ensures a full recovery by incorporating education and cardiac rehabilitation.
TAVR
This procedure has the capability to provide relief to patients whose health previously disqualified them as surgical candidates or who are found to be high-risk surgical candidates. Incisions are small and the procedure leaves chest bones intact, allowing the average hospital stay to be shorter for these patients.
How does TAVR work?
Unlike SAVR, TAVR allows the aortic valve to be replaced through a catheter-based approach. Because this procedure does not require open-heart surgery, TAVR is a far less invasive method of treatment.
Compared to traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR may significantly improve recovery times for heart patients. In some cases, these patients might also experience shorter hospital stays.
Who is eligible for TAVR?
The new guidelines for TAVR will potentially allow younger and healthier patients to opt for this procedure instead of open-heart surgery. Still, each patient’s heart is unique and requires individualized treatment. Our cardiac professionals can assess your case.
