St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) Heart and Vascular Center is a nationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex valve disease. A multidisciplinary team consisting of highly skilled physicians and surgeons offer the most advanced interventional and minimally invasive surgical treatments for complex conditions of the heart valves.
St. Luke’s Heart Valve Program offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of heart valve disease. Whether you are just beginning to show symptoms or you have advanced heart valve disease, you can trust that you are receiving extraordinary heart care.
Nationally Recognized for Outstanding Heart Care
The Heart Valve Program is part of SLUHN Heart & Vascular Center, recipient of prestigious awards from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for our high standard of care for patients with chest pain.
Early Diagnosis, Better Patient Outcomes
Using minimally invasive and surgical techniques, specialists at SLUHN Heart Valve Program are better able to catch disease in its earliest stages, leading to better outcomes. Advanced valve disease is often irreversible and may progress to congestive heart failure, a potentially debilitating or even fatal illness.
Integrated Heart Care
You will find all the care you need in St. Luke’s Heart Valve Program. A patient navigator will be there to answer your questions and guide you through the process of diagnosis and treatment. Our specialists work together to provide seamless, comprehensive care.
This full spectrum of services enables us to diagnose and treat your condition more efficiently. Early diagnosis and quick access to treatment does more than add to your convenience – it aids in your recovery.
Heart Valve Treatments
Treatment of heart valve disease depends on the severity of your symptoms and any additional medical problems you may have. Treatment can include medication, minimally invasive valve repair procedures, or surgery to replace or repair the valve, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Medication
If surgery is not an option, or your valve condition is mild, your doctor may prescribe medication. Taking medication can help relieve symptoms of heart valve disease and decrease your risk of further problems.
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the most common treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. SLUHN heart surgeons remove the diseased valve and replace it with an artificial one.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Patients who have severe aortic valve stenosis and are too sick or at high-risk for open-heart surgery may be eligible for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
A team that includes surgeons and cardiologists use this procedure to implant a new valve without opening the patient's chest or stopping the heart.