Structural HEart

Diagnosing Aortic Stenosis, Mitral Valve Regurgitation or Valvular Heart Disease

The symptoms are at times undetectable or can go unnoticed. Typically valve disease advances slowly and the heart may adjust and one may not notice the onset of symptoms. Many of the symptoms are similar to those with congestive heart failure which are shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or abdomen, palpitations, mild chest pain, fatigue, dizziness or fainting.

The cause may be congenital (present at birth) or may develop over a period of years. Valve disease or damage to heart valves can also be attributed to a heart attack, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle and valves), Rheumatic fever or heart tissue may degenerate with age.

An echocardiography study is often used when evaluating a patient for valvular disease which is an ultrasound of the heart and provides important information on the structure and function of the heart muscle and valves.  

In addition to an echocardiography study, a cardiopulmonary function test (CPX) will be ordered. The CPX helps determine how the heart and lungs work together and determine any cause of fatigue. A cardiac PET scan or cardiac CT may also be ordered which will provide a superior image of both the anatomical structures within the body and the metabolic activity occurring in those structures.  At times a cardiac catheterization may also be necessary in identifying valvular disease.

Aortic Valve Replacement

In the past, the procedure to repair or replace a heart valve involved open heart surgery and at times there are patients, especially those that are elderly or frail, where an open heart procedure is not recommended.  In these instances, Cardiology Associates is the leader in the region in the minimally invasive treatment of valvular heart disease. Cardiology Associates brings together a professional collaboration of experts in interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, clinical technology and nursing to perform minimally invasive valve replacement or repair procedures that are performed through a catheter.

Following the FDA’s approval of TAVR for the treatment of patients with inoperative aortic valve disease in late 2011, Cardiology Associates was one of a select few heart teams in the United States to first offer TAVR to patients with aortic valve disease. Nearly 8 years later, this innovative valve therapy continues to offer improved quality of life to residents on the Gulf Coast with severe aortic stenosis. The Structural Heart Team at Cardiology Associates has performed over 400 replacement procedures and TAVR is quickly becoming more and more the standard for aortic valve replacements in patients with aortic stenosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR, is a innovative and minimally invasive procedure to replace the old or damaged valve with a replacement valve in its place.  This procedure is also referred to as transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI or AVI.  

Mitral Valve Repair

Treatment for degenerative mitral regurgitation depends on how severe the condition may be, and if it's getting worse. The goal of mitral regurgitation treatment is to improve your heart's function while minimizing your symptoms and avoiding future complications. If open-heart mitral valve surgery is not an option for you—due to your age, advanced heart failure, or other serious medical conditions—you may be eligible for a less-invasive treatment option called transcatheter mitral valve repair.

Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair or TEER is performed using the Mitraclip(R), treating patients with mitral valve regurgitation who are not surgical candidates for mitral valve repair or replacement.

For both TAVR and TEER, to ensure optimal patient results, our multi-disciplinary team uses state-of-the art hybrid catheterization labs, supported by the hospital’s highly trained staff to offer this cutting edge technology to the patients of the Gulf Coast.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

An interventional procedure typically appropriate for patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) who are on blood thinning medication.  A left atrial appendage occluder device is a minimally-invasive catheter-based umbrella-shaped, self-expanding device that seals off the left atrial appendage in the heart, where blot clots tend to form, reducing the risk of stroke.  It provides patients with an alternative opposed to the lifelong use of blood-thinning medications which in many patients can be prohibitive due to noncompliance, long-term bleeding, or occupational restrictions.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) / Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

These procedures are performed via catheter to permanently close a heart defect such as a hole in the heart or for patients with Atrial Septal Defects, ASD, or Patent Forum Ovale, PFO.  Once in place, the mesh device is deployed in proximity on both sides of the septal wall, creating a platform for tissue in-growth, or allow for tissue to grow over mesh thus closing the hole in the septum. Use of this device aids in symptom improvements, increased exercise capacity and risk for ischemic stroke.

 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Watch the video to view an animation showing an aortic valve replacement for patients with aortic stenosis using the transcatheter aortic valve.  

Mitral Valve Repair / Replacement

Watch the video to view an animation showing an mitral valve repair using the MitraClip®.

Why have open heart surgery for aortic stenosis when there’s a less invasive option? Cardiology Associates patient Evelyn Knowles shares her TAVR experience.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Watch the video to learn of the benefits of the Watchman™ device for patients on long term blood thinners and the closure of the left atrial appendage of the heart.

Jordan M. Chaisson, MD, FACC, FHRS

James D. Gladden, MD, PhD

Andin H. Mullis, MD

Erik A. Eways, MD, FACC

M. Wail Hashimi, MD, FACC

Andin H. Mullis, MD

Chance M. Witt, MD, FACC

John M. Galla, MD, FACC, FSCAI

D. Scott Kirby, MD, FACC

Stan Thornton, MD, FACC,FSCAI

Heather Beasley, RN, BSN