Groundbreaking Aortic Valve Replacement Treatment at Malcom Randall VA Hospital

NF/SGVHS is now providing cutting edge technology including Medtronic Evolut FX+ transfemoral treatment for aortic valve stenosis. As the first VA medical center within VISN 8 and the Gainesville area to provide this treatment, VA is providing timely access to world-class health care to Veterans. 

TAVR is a way to replace a diseased aortic valve in the heart without the need to perform open-heart surgery. The benefits of TAVR include a less invasive procedure, shorter hospital stays, and a more rapid recovery. TAVR has been proven to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with severe aortic stenosis by reducing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. 

“TAVR offers a way to replace a faulty heart valve which helps the heart to work more efficiently without major surgery,” said Dr. Eduardo J. Perez, assistant professor of medicine at UF Shands Hospital and interventional/structural cardiology at NF/SGVHS. 

As the Veteran is at the heart of everything the VA does, we take care of Veterans’ hearts, which includes cardiovascular health, through these groundbreaking procedures. The minimally invasive surgery results in our Veterans recovering at a faster pace and returning to normal life patterns, enhancing the quality of life for the Veteran and their families. 

Aortic stenosis is a serious condition for our Veterans with potentially drastic outcomes if left untreated. An increased risk of heart failure, sudden cardiac death, arrythmias and reduced exercise capacity amongst them. By addressing the underlying cause of aortic stenosis and improving heart function, TAVR mitigates the potential negative outcomes associated with untreated severe aortic stenosis, resulting in improved survivability, better quality of life, and reduced complications.

Partnerships, innovation, and collaboration are at the forefront of how the VA functions. The VA consistently partners with University of Florida-Shands Medical Center where VA surgeons have received training and gained proficiency in performing the procedure for Veterans. TAVR has become an increasingly used treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis within the VA and is associated with low periprocedural morbidity and mortality.

The VA is dedicated to adopting innovative technologies that offer maximum advantages with minimal risks to our Veterans. Our comprehensive healthcare team brings together diverse specialists, including expert echocardiographers, radiologists, general cardiologists, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and cardiothoracic surgeons. NF/SGVHS surgical physicians Dr. Eddie Manning and Dr. Kirsten Freeman work in close coordination with the interventional/structural cardiology team, under the leadership of Dr. Jeet Mehta, interventional cardiology physician, and Dr. Perez.

“By fostering this collaborative environment, we are able to develop and implement cutting-edge, personalized therapies for our Veterans in a timely manner,” said Dr. Perez. “Our team takes great satisfaction in our mission and is resolutely committed to delivering exceptional care to those who have served our nation.” 

Through the combined expertise and unwavering dedication of this team of teams, NF/SGVHS ensures that Veterans receive tailored, state-of-the-art treatments that address their unique healthcare needs. The capability to provide this treatment here allows for Veterans to remain in the VA hospital rather than having to be transferred to another facility, delivering on the VA’s promise to provide timely access to world-class healthcare.

For more information on the NF/SGVHS, please visit VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs.