McLeod Structural Heart Program
Offers Minimally-Invasive Options

The McLeod Structural Heart Program specializes in percutaneous (minimally invasive) and surgical treatment of patients with a variety of heart disease, including patients who do not qualify for conventional open-heart procedures. Examples of minimally invasive treatments includes Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for the treatment of aortic stenosis, MitraClip for the treatment of mitral regurgitation, and ASD/PFO closure.

Physician and self-referrals are welcome by calling (843) 667-1891.

 

  • MitraClip

    For patients, who continue to have symptoms with a severely leaking mitral valve despite medical therapy, a less invasive mitral valve repair with MitraClip may be a safe and effective alternative to open-heart surgery. A specialized team consisting of an interventional cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiac anesthesiologist, work together to determine a patient’s eligibility for this procedure. Tests to measure the size of the valve help the team establish if the MitraClip is a good option for treatment.

  • Replacing a Diseased Heart Valve with Minimally Invasive Methods

    Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a new minimally invasive procedure being performed at McLeod Regional Medical Center, allows physicians to replace a patient’s diseased or damaged heart valve without removing the old valve. For patients, whose health cannot withstand the stress of an open heart procedure, the TAVR procedure may be an option.  Often, patients who undergo the TAVR procedure have other medical conditions that make them a better candidate for this type of surgery.

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    TAVR is performed similar to a heart catheterization. A minimally invasive procedure, the physician inserts a catheter, a long flexible thin tube with the artificial valve, through a small incision in an artery in the leg, then guides it to the heart using X-ray imaging. The valve is precisely positioned across the diseased valve. The new valve is then released and starts functioning immediately. The old valve provides the foundation to hold the new valve in place.

    “One of the goals of the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute is to adapt to changes in the delivery of medical care,” said Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Fred Krainin. “Patients with aortic stenosis who cannot undergo the surgical option because of their health concerns now have another alternative. With the minimally invasive opportunity of TAVR now being offered by McLeod we are getting these patients back to a quality of life they can enjoy.”

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  • Heart Valve Clinic Expands Convenience and Diagnostic Care for Heart Patients

    To eliminate the need for multiple appointments with different specialties, McLeod heart valve clinics in Florence enable patients to meet at a single session with a team of specialists, including cardiologists and surgeons. After a series of tests, this cardiac team will talk with the patient about follow-up and treatment. Your physicians can refer you for an appointment by calling (843) 777-8258.

  • The Watchman Device

    Patients who have atrial fibrillation without significant heart valve disease, and who are on anticoagulant medications, may be a candidate for a device available at the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute called the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.

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    The WATCHMAN, about the size of a quarter, is implanted at the opening of the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. The device is a one-time implant that does not need to be replaced.

    McLeod began offering the WATCHMAN device more than five years ago. Now the creators of WATCHMAN have developed the next generation, the WATCHMAN FLX. The new device is available in more sizes, which enables the treatment of a wider variety of patients.

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  • A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to TAVR

    In the video on left, Dr. William C. Jackson describes the benefits of having a team of structural heart specialists determine the treatment for aortic stenosis.