If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, know that you have several treatment choices. Traditional open-heart surgery is a tried-and-true option, but Penrose Hospital offers minimally invasive procedures as well. This includes TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), which our award-winning team has been performing since 2013, making us one of the most experienced programs in Southern Colorado. We’re proud to be ranked in the 90th percentile nationally for 30-day outcomes following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR (sometimes also referred to as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, or TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure during which a new heart valve is placed without removing the old, diseased valve. The new valve is placed inside the old valve. 

What Is Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition most commonly affects adults in their 70s and 80s, and symptoms often develop gradually, making them easy to mistake for normal aging.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Reduced ability to perform everyday activities

Sometimes, aortic stenosis is discovered during a routine physical exam when a doctor hears a heart murmur — an abnormal sound caused by turbulent blood flow.

Why TAVR Matters

Without treatment, severe aortic stenosis can be life-threatening. In fact, 50% of patients with symptoms die within two years if left untreated. Traditionally, valve replacement required open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive surgical approach — options not suitable for everyone or their lifestyle. TAVR changes that.

How TAVR Works

TAVR is performed by guiding a thin, flexible catheter through an artery — usually in the groin — up to the heart. A new valve, compressed inside a balloon, is positioned within the diseased aortic valve. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the new valve and restoring healthy blood flow.

Fast Relief, Easier Recovery

Patients often feel significantly better within days. Shortness of breath improves remarkably, and recovery is much easier than with traditional surgery.

Typical recovery timeline:

TAVR used to be reserved for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to other health concerns. But due to the long-term success of the procedure and continued innovation and enhanced techniques, Penrose Hospital offers TAVR for even low-risk patients.

The process starts with a referral from your cardiologist, and our dedicated Structural Heart team will screen you and educate you on your options.

Stroke Risk Reduction for AFib Patients

For patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by heart valve disease, Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) offers a safe, effective alternative to long-term blood thinners. Penrose Hospital has been performing this life-changing procedure since 2018, helping patients reduce stroke risk while reclaiming peace of mind.

Why LAAO?

AFib increases the risk of stroke because blood can pool and form clots in the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA). Blood thinners help prevent clots, but they’re not right for everyone. Some patients experience bleeding complications, medication side effects, or lifestyle limitations.

LAAO is designed to seal off the left atrial appendage, preventing clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke — without the need for lifelong anticoagulation.

How It Works

The LAAO procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes about an hour. A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart, where a small device is placed to permanently close off the left atrial appendage.

What to Expect

• Most patients go home the same day
• Recovery is quick, with minimal discomfort
• Blood thinners are usually discontinued around 45 days post-implant, pending follow-up imaging

Who Is a Candidate?

LAAO may be right for patients who:

• Have non-valvular AFib
• Are at increased risk of stroke
• Cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners due to bleeding risk or other concerns
• Want to come off of long-term blood thinning medication
• Do not have any other reason to be on a blood thinner (i.e. blood clotting disorder or mechanical heart valve)

Our Structural Heart team works closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan, ensuring safety, comfort, and long-term success.

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Treatment

Penrose Hospital has offered Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of the mitral valve (M-TEER) since 2016, a minimally invasive procedure for some patients with mitral regurgitation. M-TEER helps restore valve function and relieve symptoms without the need for a large incision or prolonged recovery.

What Is Mitral Regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation occurs when the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This can lead to:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Irregular heartbeat

Left untreated, mitral regurgitation can worsen over time and lead to heart failure.

How M-TEER Works

Using a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg, a small clip is placed on the mitral valve to help it close more completely. This reduces the backward flow of blood and improves heart efficiency.

Benefits of M-TEER

• Minimally invasive
• Short hospital stay (typically 1–2 days)
• Rapid symptom relief

Who Is a Candidate?

M-TEER may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe mitral regurgitation
• Experience symptoms that interfere with daily life

Our Structural Heart team, including interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and nurse practitioners, provides personalized care and thorough evaluation to determine the best path forward.

A New Option for Tricuspid Regurgitation

Penrose Hospital is proud to expand its structural heart program with Tricuspid Edge-to-Edge Repair (T-TEER), a minimally invasive treatment for patients with tricuspid regurgitation who are not candidates for open-heart surgery. This innovative procedure offers symptom relief and improved quality of life without the risks of traditional surgical repair.

What Is Tricuspid Regurgitation?

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the right atrium. Over time, this can lead to:

• Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or neck veins
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Liver congestion or dysfunction

Tricuspid regurgitation often coexists with other heart conditions and may worsen if left untreated.

How T-TEER Works

Using a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg, a small clip is placed on the tricuspid valve to help it close more effectively. This reduces the backward flow of blood and improves the heart’s ability to pump efficiently.

Benefits of T-TEER

• Minimally invasive
• Short hospital stay
• Rapid symptom improvement
• Option for patients who are high-risk for surgery

Who Is a Candidate?

T-TEER may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation
• Experience symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Are considered high-risk for surgical valve repair
• Have coexisting conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction