In 2011, Englewood Hospital became one of the first facilities in New Jersey to offer a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure on a patient suffering from aortic stenosis, a debilitating type of heart disease.
A decade later, Englewood has become one of the leading TAVR centers in New Jersey — a distinction highlighted by the fact the hospital recently performed its 1,000th such procedure.
Dr. Ramin Hastings, medical director of the structural heart and valve program, said the milestone is noteworthy.
“I’m so proud to work with such an accomplished team,” he said. “Through the support of our community, we have created a program that provides local expertise with outcomes in the top 10% of the country. Having cared for 1,000 TAVR patients is a remarkable milestone for Englewood Health.”
The TAVR procedure was originally offered as an alternative treatment for patients with aortic stenosis who were not candidates for open-heart surgery due to their age or risk for complications. Since then, it has expanded to lower-risk patients. Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve, often leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness and fatigue.
Eliminating the need for open-heart surgery, the TAVR procedure allows an artificial valve to be implanted through a catheter that is inserted in the artery of the patient’s leg or chest. The TAVR team at Englewood Hospital, consisting of both interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who work together to perform the procedure, has observed a high success rate in TAVR patients, with outcomes better than the national average.
The treatment offers patients a less-invasive option with a quicker recovery, generally allowing them to return home the next day.
Denise Goldstein, structural heart and valve program coordinator at Englewood Hospital, said she was honored to celebrate the achievement with the team.
“Through the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team, we have performed 1,000 cases, with great results,” she said. “We are extremely proud of this huge accomplishment.”
To learn more about the procedure and the Structural Heart and Valve Program, click here.
