ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix hospital becomes state’s 1st to use new heart valve replacement system

Jun 7, 2024, 10:32 AM

PHOENIX — Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix became the first health center in the state to use a new device that serves as an alternative to open-heart surgery this week.

Cardiologist Timothy Byrne led the hospital team as they used it on a patient, according to a Wednesday news release from the health care company.

The new device is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system. The complex name matches the complex way it works.

The recent surgery makes Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital the first in the Arizona-New Mexico region to offer patients treatment with the new TAVR system.

How does the TAVR system help patients with heart issues?

Essentially, the TAVR system helps people with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. That’s when a patient’s aortic heart valve doesn’t open and close properly. This makes their hearts work harder to pump blood to the rest of their bodies.

It’s catastrophic to a patient’s health. In fact, 50% of patients who don’t seek treatment for this issue can die from heart failure in as little as two years.

Normally, patients with this issue require an aortic valve replacement. It’s a major operation in which surgeons replace a damaged or faulty valve with a new one. Usually this operation takes a few hours.

Performing an aortic valve replacement with the TAVR system is far less invasive. The medical team will implant a replacement valve through a small incision. This way, they don’t have to surgically open a patient’s chest.

Not only that, but it’s also much faster than traditional open heart surgery. It takes around an hour, according to Abrazo Health.

Byrne said the medical device is a valuable addition to a medical worker’s toolbox.

“We are proud to provide a new option to treat patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis here in Arizona,” Byrne said in the Wednesday news release.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

new Surprise fire department West Valley Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Surprise completes 1 new fire station, buys land for another

Surprise Fire Station 309, the new Surprise fire department at the north side of Cactus Road at Perryville Road, became operational last week.

23 minutes ago

Republican state Rep. Matt Gress is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed...

Kevin Stone

Arizona lawmaker raises questions about legality of Isaac School District lease-purchase deal

An Arizona lawmaker is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed the Isaac School District out of its financial crisis last month.

2 hours ago

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

3 hours ago

The Arizona Constitution currently provides legislative immunity for traffic violations....

Kevin Stone

Arizona Republican wants lawmakers to follow same traffic laws as everyone else

An Arizona lawmaker introduced a resolution that would refer a constitutional amendment ending legislative immunity for traffic violations to the ballot.

4 hours ago

Officials: WM Phoenix Open 2025 more peaceful than last year...

Serena O'Sullivan

This year’s WM Phoenix Open upgrades made event smoother, more respectful, organizers say

Event organizers put in place a variety of changes during the WM Phoenix Open 2025 after weather conditions and crowd issues last year.

5 hours ago

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Phoenix hospital becomes state’s 1st to use new heart valve replacement system