Valley Health’s Heart & Vascular Center at Winchester Medical
Center has opened a new state-of-the-art surgical suite, or “hybrid
room,” and completed its first minimally invasive heart valve replacement
known as TAVR. The regional medical center is one of only 5-10% of hospitals
nationwide able to offer these treatments.
The hybrid room combines the best features of a cardiac catheterization
lab and operating room to offer a large, well-equipped space for trans-catheter
aortic and mitral valve replacement (TAVR and TMVR) and other complex
procedures. The minimally-invasive repair and replacement techniques result
in shorter hospital stays, less pain and a quicker recovery, offer an
excellent treatment alternative for more frail or older, higher risk patients.
WMC’s new Advanced Valve and Aortic Center (AVAC) was launched earlier
this year after Houston cardiothoracic surgeon Basel Ramlawi, MD, one
of the most experienced TAVR surgeons in the country, arrived in Winchester
to head the program. Over the last six months Dr. Ramlawi has led the
final planning for the AVAC, including coordination of its multidisciplinary
team, construction and equipment upgrades, protocols and specialized training,
patient education and referral outreach.
The first two patients--a 95-year-old woman from Woodstock, Va., and an
88-year-old man from Winchester, Va.--were both considered high risk for
open surgical aortic valve replacement. One hour after their 90-minute
procedure was completed, both patients were in good spirits, joking with
family and discussing plans for the weekend. “This is the norm for
many heart procedures these days,” Dr. Ramlawi said. “Patients
receive a complete repair of a significant heart problem, with less pain
and quicker recovery, even at 95 years of age!”
In addition to the new hybrid room and new minimally invasive surgical
capabilities such as TAVR, the Advanced Valve & Aortic Center offers
advanced diagnostic imaging for patient evaluations, medical management
of heart valve disease, second opinion services, and coordination with
a patient’s primary physician. The center’s team includes
co-director Omar Ali, MD, interventional cardiologist; Edward Kofsky,
MD, cardiothoracic surgeon; Jason Call, MD, interventional cardiologist;
Ajay Virmani, MD, interventional cardiologist; and Debbie Myers, DNP,
program coordinator.
“We are excited to offer the most comprehensive services to evaluate
and treat complex heart valve and aortic problems in a very patient-focused
environment,” said Grady W. “Skip” Philips, III, senior
vice president of Valley Health System and president of Winchester Medical
Center. “Dr. Ramlawi’s technical expertise and leadership,
the commitment of our Heart & Vascular physician leaders and clinical
team, and collaboration of specialists in anesthesiology, radiology and
critical care, have enabled us to mobilize a phenomenal service. Area
residents will not find a more convenient, comprehensive program committed
to superior outcomes than right here at the Valley Health Heart &
Vascular Center at Winchester Medical Center.”
Patients and providers interested in knowing more may call the
Advanced Valve & Aortic Center at 540-536-4000, or email AVAC@valleyhealthlink.com.