From an interview with
Dr Brian Blaker, McLeod Interventional Cardiologist
and heart patient Frenchie Moser
Frenchie Moser, married more than 60 years, was swimming 3 days a week, until she had trouble breathing. McLeod Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Brian Blaker said it was time to replace her heart valve – but without open heart surgery.
FRENCHIE’S STORY
“I think taking care of yourself is important. I like to exercise and particularly swim. That’s my favorite thing to do. About a year ago, I was swimming and realized that I was short of breath. I was having trouble really breathing deeply, which I felt like, well, something’s not right. The lifeguard, Adam, he said, ‘Are you okay?’”
The next day, I went to Dr. Brian Blaker. He said, “Frenchie, it’s time. We’ve got enough problems with that valve that we don’t need to put this off any longer.” And I said, “Okay, whatever you need to do, let’s do it.”
McLEOD INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST DR. BRIAN BLAKER
The TAVR procedure stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. It’s a method of replacing the aortic valve, which is the valve that controls blood flow of the heart. Patients who develop severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, or severe narrowing of the heart valve — which causes chest pain, shortness of breath or severe fatigue — may have an indication for replacement of their aortic valve. The TAVR procedure provides a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. It involves inserting a small catheter, or tube, in through one of the arteries, which allows us to replace the aortic valve. It is most commonly done under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. Most patients go home the next day. Frequently, our patients tell us they feel better almost immediately, and they are able to return to their daily activities within one to two weeks. Our patients undergo close follow-up with echocardiography to evaluate the functionality of the valve after their procedure. And our patients also complete cardiac rehab to help them achieve their level of activity that they are accustomed to.
FRENCHIE’S FINAL THOUGHT
“I am so grateful because, instead of having open heart surgery, they go through the groin area. I felt completely relaxed and at peace. I have to take my time to rest, but I’m just grateful that I have the energy to do what I do.”
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