Valve Clinic

The Silver Cross Valve Clinic provides exceptional care for the management of heart valve disease — and aortic stenosis in particular. The clinic combines the expertise of a specialized cardiac nurse, interventional cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon.

After a thorough evaluation in our Valve Clinic, you will receive a personalized treatment plan based on input from all providers.

The Valve Clinic team will also educate you about all treatment options, including heart valve surgery and minimally invasive heart valve replacement. The type of surgery needed depends on your age, overall health, and the type and severity of your heart valve disease.

Our Valve Clinic Coordinator Helps Navigate Your Care

Our Valve Clinic coordinator, Hans Schulte, RN, is a specially trained registered nurse and your first contact for potential aortic valve surgery.

He will help you navigate your valve treatment, answer questions and educate you from referral through follow-up care.

Risks and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disorders

As you get older, your risk of getting a heart valve disorder increases. You may also be at higher risk if you've had a heart attack or heart failure, or are at risk for coronary artery disease.

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath when exercising
• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Fainting

Minimally Invasive Treatment: TAVR

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive, percutaneous (needle puncture of the skin) procedure for patients diagnosed with and experiencing the symptoms of aortic stenosis.

During a TAVR, a team of heart experts insert a new aortic valve within the diseased aortic valve while the heart is still beating. Once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the existing valve leaflets out of the way, and the replacement valve's leaflets take over. When complete, blood flows normally once again.

Diagnostic Testing Before TAVR

Before you can have a TAVR procedure, you will need to undergo several diagnostic tests to assess the overall health of your cardiovascular system.

These include:

• Cardiac catheterization
• CT scan
• Carotid ultrasound
• Frailty testing to assess your strength, balance and mobility
• Pulmonary function testing

Patient Resources