Valley Health’s Advanced Valve Center at Winchester Medical Center
provides a team approach to the evaluation and treatment for patients
diagnosed with complex heart valve disease. The center offers a full range
of state-of-the-art treatment options and expert clinical care locally:
Innovative minimally invasive small-incision and catheter-based interventions
Conventional surgical valve repair or replacement
Medical management of heart valve disease
Second opinion service for challenging and complex pathology
Cutting-edge and innovative investigational procedures and research protocols
Sophisticated, non-invasive imaging of the heart valves
Structural Heart Team
Our team includes
cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists who specialize in structural heart problems,
valve disorders, interventional therapies, and imaging, as well as a vascular surgeon
and anesthesiologists. The Advanced Valve Center is usually the first
point of contact with the team.
Convenience for Patients:
Our team works with each patient to provide a thorough evaluation and develop
individual treatment recommendations. In most cases, clinical assessment,
cardiac testing (as needed) and consultation with our valve specialists
will occur in one to two visits to minimize patient travel.
Advanced Minimally Invasive Treatments
We can provide treatments for some of the most complex heart valve problems
using minimally invasive repair and replacement procedures, including
new catheter-based techniques. For patients, these procedures can mean
less time in the hospital,
less pain and a
quicker recovery.
Our state-of-the-art hybrid room combines cardiac catheterization and surgical
capabilities and is equipped with advanced imaging and support technology
to perform procedures such as trans-catheter aortic valve replacement
(TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR).
Charles J., TAVR Patient – Summer 2021
Charles learned from his cardiologist that TAVR might be an option for
his aortic stenosis and was referred to the Advanced Valve Center for
evaluation. He appreciated the team’s honest communication with
him about the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as their collaborative
approach in developing recommendations for his treatment.
“They do have that kind of regard for you and your wellbeing, and
they don’t rush into anything,” he says.
“I had no idea that we had the caliber of surgeons and doctors here….
One day in the hospital, and I’m home. I’m back doing everything
I did before – the driving, the walking.”
