DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed Transforms Cardiac Care in Western Kansas with TAVR Program

HaysMed, situated in the heart of Western Kansas, has been at the forefront of advanced cardiac care since the establishment of its heart clinic in 2008. The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed addresses a critical need for local cardiac surgical services, allowing patients to receive high-quality care close to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel and providing timely treatment.

Recently, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures began transforming the landscape of heart valve surgery nationally. HaysMed adopted this advanced procedure two years ago, embracing a less invasive method that significantly benefits high-risk patients. The TAVR program at HaysMed represents a leap forward in cardiac care, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients with severe aortic stenosis.

The American Heart Association outlines and describes the TAVR process in detail, explaining,

“Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve with a man-made valve.

Your aortic valve controls blood flow from your heart to your body. If your valve becomes stiff, you have a condition called aortic stenosis. Your heart may have to work too hard to pump blood through the small valve opening to the rest of your body. This may lead to increasing heart failure.

During TAVR, your doctor inserts a catheter through a blood vessel in your leg to deliver and implant the artificial valve into your heart. Significant research is exploring how to both advance the use of this technique and improve the devices that are used for TAVR.”

Raja R. Gopaldas, MD, a distinguished cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at HaysMed, provides insights into the TAVR procedure and its intended patients. Dr. Gopaldas explains, “TAVR is a minimally invasive technique developed to replace a diseased aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. This procedure is primarily aimed at patients who are considered to be at intermediate or high risk for conventional surgery.”

Dr. Gopaldas further explains the impact of TAVR since its introduction at HaysMed: ‘We have significantly enhanced the availability of life-saving treatments in Western Kansas. Patients now have the convenience of accessing advanced care locally and enjoying a more comfortable recovery close to home.’

He highlights the benefits of TAVR, stating, “The procedure allows for shorter recovery times, reduced discomfort, and faster resumption of daily activities, making it particularly advantageous for older individuals or those dealing with multiple health conditions.”

The American Heart Association offers a video simulation of a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, which you can view by clicking here.

HaysMed offers advanced treatments typically found in larger metropolitan centers, including TAVR and the recent Detour procedure. HaysMed delivers a top-tier TAVR experience, led by our esteemed team of Interventional Cardiologists—Dr. Niranjan Seshadri and Dr. Travis Haneke—along with Dr. Gopaldas and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Roberto Cervera. Supporting them are the expert teams in cardiac anesthesia, the cardiovascular operating room, the catheterization laboratory (cath lab), and perfusionist.

The hospital’s commitment ensures that each patient receives compassionate, top-quality care with the most advanced technology available.

Patients are invited to explore the comprehensive care at HaysMed, where support is provided at every stage of their heart health journey. Visitors can experience state-of-the-art facilities and discuss how services can be customized to meet their unique needs. To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation please call 785-625-4699.

At HaysMed, the focus is not only on treating the heart but also on caring for the whole person.

 

Additional Resources:

• 2022 HaysMed article featuring Niranjan Seshadri, MD, Interventional Cardiologist discussing the new TAVR procedure. HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute Offers Minimally Invasive TAVR Heart Valve Replacement
• 2024 HaysMed article featuring Roberto D. Cervera, MD and Niranjan Seshadri, MD groundbreaking “Detour” Procedure. HaysMed Completes Kansas’ First “Detour” Procedure
• HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute services
• American Heart Association TAVR video