If you are not a candidate for traditional surgery to repair or replace your heart’s valves, you may be eligible for minimally invasive valve procedures, including MitraClip™ and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Penn Heart and Vascular at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA, offers leading-edge therapies close to home.
What Is Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery?
The heart has four valves that control the flow of blood through the heart: mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary. If one of these valves does not work properly and prevents normal blood flow, it may need to be surgically repaired or replaced with an artificial valve.
Traditional surgery for valve repair or replacement requires a large vertical incision in the center of the chest to open the breastbone and access the heart. However, if traditional surgery is not an option, you may be eligible for minimally invasive valve procedures. Through small incisions, our surgeons insert catheters (thin, flexible tubes) and specialized instruments. Patients experience:
- Less pain
- Decreased chance of infection
- Shorter recovery time after surgery
Among the minimally invasive valve surgery innovations we offer at Chester County Hospital are MitraClip and TAVR.
MitraClip™
MitraClip therapy is a nonsurgical option for high-risk patients with mitral valve disease who are not candidates for mitral valve surgery. Using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube), your cardiologist places a clip on your mitral valve. The clip stops the leak by enabling your valve to close more completely. Learn More About MitraClip.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure to treat aortic stenosis. This procedure replaces diseased heart valves using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube), rather than open-heart surgery. TAVR may be an option for low-risk patients and those who are not candidates for traditional open-chest valve replacement surgery. Learn More About Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
Dr. Steven Weiss discusses advances in heart surgery,
including TAVR: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 (PENN) to speak to one of our heart and vascular experts. You can also request an appointment using our online form.