Structural Heart Program at VA Boston Healthcare System
Learn more about the Structural Heart Program and Meet your Team
About Us
We provide state-of-the-art, minimally invasive solutions for complex valve and structural heart conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of experts work together to deliver exceptional care—even for the most challenging cases.
Procedures We Offer
- Aortic Valve Interventions – including TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) and complex TAVR for high-risk anatomy
- Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement – including transcatheter valvuloplasty and edge-to-edge repair (TEER)
- Tricuspid Valve Repair and Replacement – including transcatheter edge-to-edge repair
- ASD/PFO Closure – closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale
- PVL (Paravalvular Leak) Closure – repair of leaks around surgical or transcatheter valves
- Left Atrial Appendage Closure (Watchman) – reducing stroke and bleeding risk for patients with atrial fibrillation
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Interventions – including septal reduction therapy (alcohol septal ablation or surgical myectomy)
Why VA Boston?
We combine internationally recognized expertise with an integrated care model proven to achieve better outcomes for Veterans.
- Advanced technology and therapies – minimally invasive structural heart interventions and complex treatments
- Comprehensive team-based care – cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and advanced practice providers collaborating for optimal results
- Dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) – equipped with advanced monitoring and life-support systems
- Full-spectrum programs – from preventive cardiology to advanced heart failure management
- Veteran-focused support – transportation, lodging, and family assistance for eligible patients
Testimonials from our Veterans
“Thanks for actively following my case and working so hard to get to a solution. Everything about the last few days was positive and professional. Medical care in the CCU was second to none. I've commanded units with major hospitals, I know a good medical team when I see one.”
“I’m always telling my doctors how great you all were at West Roxbury and how well you treated me before, during and after my surgery. I want to thank you for all you have done for me. I am a lucky man.”
“Thank you for everything and please thank the entire team from check in to checkout for their compassion and respect.”
“The procedure was performed excellently, and I was treated with the utmost respect throughout. Everything regarding the procedure was clearly explained, which provided me and my wife with reassurance and comfort. My wife and I were made to feel well-informed and supported at every step. Kudos to the entire department for the excellent service and compassionate care I received.
“I appreciate everything your team did for me. So pleasant and easy to work with and so kind and respectful. Thanks to the entire team for treating me so well.”
“I cannot thank you, the doctors, the nurses and all at the VA for your help. I always feel my husband has the BEST care in this country at the VA hospitals in Boston. Everyone did such an excellent job of explaining procedures, risks and concerns going forward.”
“Three days since going home, if there was a moon, I could jump over it, I’m sure and don’t have to prove it. Thanks to all the staff people and their smiling faces and expertise above all. A happy paced hear felt man.”
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to guide you through every step of your journey and make sure you have the support you need. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Structural Heart Program Coordinator.
Structural Heart Program Coordinator | Nurse Practitioner
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Email: Sharon.LaRose@va.gov
Our state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Room enables advanced minimally invasive and surgical heart procedures
Conditions We Treat
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the body. This can cause chest pain, fainting, and heart failure. Treatment often includes Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for patients at higher surgical risk.
Mitral Regurgitation
This occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. Symptoms include fatigue and shortness of breath. Options include transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) or valve replacement.
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Leakage of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart can lead to swelling, fatigue, and liver congestion. New minimally invasive treatments include tricuspid TEER or valve replacement.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) / Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
ASD and PFO are openings between the heart’s upper chambers that can increase stroke risk and cause arrhythmias. We offer percutaneous closure for these defects.
Paravalvular Leak (PVL)
PVL is leakage around a previously implanted valve, which can cause heart failure or anemia. Our team performs minimally invasive PVL closure to restore valve function.
Atrial Fibrillation: Stroke and Bleeding Risk
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of stroke. Many patients take blood thinners to prevent clots, but these medications can also raise the risk of serious bleeding. For patients who cannot tolerate long-term anticoagulation, we offer left atrial appendage closure (e.g., Watchman device) — a minimally invasive procedure that reduces both stroke risk and bleeding risk by eliminating the need for lifelong blood thinners.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Structural heart disease also includes conditions affecting the heart muscle, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is characterized by thickened ventricular walls that impair filling and may cause outflow obstruction. These changes can lead to decreased cardiac efficiency, low exercise tolerance, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Management ranges from medication optimization to septal ablation or surgical relief of obstruction.
Your Structural Heart Journey
Initial visit will include
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. You will meet with an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon, and undergo a cardiac CT scan to assess your heart in detail.
Step 2: Additional Testing
To ensure the safest and most effective treatment, you may need further tests such as:
- Dental evaluation (to reduce infection risk)
- Coronary angiogram (to check your heart’s blood vessels)
Step 3: Heart Team Review
Your case is discussed by our multidisciplinary Heart Team, which includes cardiologists, surgeons, imaging specialists, and other experts. Together, they provide a personalized recommendation for your care.
Step 4: Your Structural Heart Procedure
Once the plan is finalized, you will undergo your procedure using advanced techniques tailored to your condition.
Step 5: Recovery
Most patients begin walking within hours after their procedure and go home the next morning. Our team will guide you through every step of your recovery.
Step 6: Follow-Up & Cardiac Rehabilitation
We continue to support you after discharge with follow-up visits and cardiac rehabilitation to help you recover quickly and safely.
Prepare for Your Visit
West Roxbury Interactive Map and Parking
- West Roxbury Interactive Map (click here)
- Parking cost: Free
- Wheelchair availability: Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building.
Transportation Services
- DAV and Shuttle services:
- Free DAV van rides and VA shuttle buses connect Veterans to VA Boston campuses, including West Roxbury, for scheduled medical appointments.
- Learn more about Transportation (Shuttles, DAV).
- Beneficiary travel:
- Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.
- Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits
Family Accommodation (Fischer House)
- Veteran families can stay at Fisher House free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.
- Learn more about the Fischer House.
Patient Accommodation (The Lodge at Huntington House)
- VA Boston Healthcare System offers a temporary stay at The Lodge at Huntington House at no charge for eligible patients and their caregivers.
- Learn more about the The Lodge at Huntington House
Meet your Care Team
Our team brings together nationally recognized experts dedicated to your care. Click on each name to learn more about them.
Interventional Cardiologists
They will evaluate you and perform minimally invasive procedures (like TAVR or mTEER) when appropriate.
Zaid Almarzooq MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI
Director of Structural Heart Program | Interventional Cardiologist | Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School
VA Boston health care
Email: zaid.almarzooq@va.gov
Chief of Cardiology | Director of Catheterization Laboratory | Interventional Cardiologist | Associate Professor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School
VA Boston health care
Interventional Cardiologist | Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School
VA Boston health care
Cardiac Surgeons
They will evaluate you and perform surgery if a traditional or hybrid approach is the safest option. They are also part of the multidisciplinary team performing minimally invasive procedures.
Marco Zenati MD MSc FEBCTS
Chief Cardiac Surgery VA Boston health care
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Jaquelyn Quin MD, MPH
Cardiac Surgeon
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Miguel Haime MD
Cardiac Surgeon
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Advanced Practice Providers (NPs and PAs)
They coordinate your care, prepare you for the procedure, and guide your recovery afterward.
Structural Heart Program Coordinator | Nurse Practitioner
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Email: Sharon.LaRose@va.gov
LAAO Program Coordinator | RDN Program Coordinator | Nurse Practitioner
VA Boston health care
Email: Erin.Sullivan@va.gov
Patricia Anderer MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner Cardiac Surgery
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Kristin Taylor PA-C, MPAS
Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Griffin Rogers PA-C, MPAS
Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery
VA Boston health care
Phone:
Noninvasive Cardiologists and Heart Valve Disease Experts
They use imaging to diagnose valve problems, optimize medications, and help choose the best treatment.
Non-Invasive Cardiologist | Expert in Valvular Heart Disease and Cardiac Imaging
VA Boston health care
Cardiac Anesthesiologists
They keep you comfortable and safe during your procedure, managing anesthesia and monitoring throughout.
Director of Cardiac Anesthesia | Cardiac Anesthesiologist
VA Boston health care
Cardiac Intensivist
They care for you in the cardiac ICU after your procedure, closely monitoring recovery and addressing any complications.
Director, Cardiac ICU | Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Critical Care Cardiologist
VA Boston health care
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Cardiologist
They manage advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy, optimize your medications, and determine if advanced therapies are needed including valve procedures.
Director, Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program I Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiologist
VA Boston health care
Cardiac Electrophysiologists (EP)
They manage heart rhythm issues, implant pacemakers after TAVR if needed, and perform procedures like LAAO (e.g., Watchman) as part of the multidisciplinary team.
