To be considered for the Structural Heart Program, you must be referred
by your primary care provider. Please talk with your provider to discuss
referrals. For more info, please contact the Structural Heart Program
Coordinator at (870) 508-3209.
What is the Baxter Health Structural Heart Program?
The Baxter Health Structural Heart Program treats diseases pertaining to
the heart's major structure including the walls, valves and chambers.
This includes treatments such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
(TAVR) and Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN™).
What is TAVR?
TAVR or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is a minimally invasive
heart procedure that replaces diseased aortic valves that are unable to
open fully. The new, man-made valve is inserted into the old valve instead
of surgically removing it which allows for quicker recovery time. This
procedure will assist in restoring blood flow and reducing symptoms of
aortic valve stenosis: fatigue, fainting or dizziness, chest pain and
shortness of breath.
What You Need to Know
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) is the only treatment for severe aortic
stenosis that improves quality of life and survival.
Up to 2/3 of patients eligible for AVR are only treated medically.
With medical treatment alone, risk of death from severe aortic stenosis
rises dramatically - 50% mortality in the first two years.
National recommendations include multidisciplinary evaluation for the best
therapeutic option (surgical AVR, trans-catheter AVR).
Signs and Symptoms of Aortic Valve Stenosis
Contact your primary care provider if you are having the following symptoms:
Heart Murmur
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Dizziness or Fainting
Shortness of breath with activity
Palpitations
What is the Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN™) Procedure?
The Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN™) procedure is a minimally
invasive surgery that involves implanting a very small, mesh-covered device
into the heart to close the left atrial appendage. This procedure is primarily
performed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial
fibrillation (AFib) by preventing blood clots from escaping the left atrial
appendage and into the bloodstream.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.
