Robotic TAVR Explant: WVU Medicine First in the World
WVU Medicine surgeons made history on May 27 by performing the world’s first robotic TAVR explant and aortic valve replacement. This groundbreaking procedure, led by Dr. Vinay Badhwar, addressed a critical issue: premature blockage in a 67-year-old patient’s transcatheter aortic valve, implanted four years prior. The team also replaced the patient’s mitral valve. This innovative approach, utilizing robotic surgery, offers a less invasive solution for complex valve replacements, perhaps impacting patient outcomes nationwide. The success of this surgery underscores growing concerns about TAVR valve durability in younger patients.News Directory 3 could be a valuable resource to follow this story. Discover what’s next for robotic heart surgery.
WVU Medicine Surgeons Pioneer Robotic Heart Valve Replacement
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Surgeons at WVU Medicine’s Heart and Vascular Institute successfully performed the world’s first robotic transcatheter aortic valve replacement explant and aortic valve replacement on May 27.The team,led by Dr. Vinay Badhwar, included Drs. Ali Darehzereshki, Goya raikar, J. Hunter Mehaffey, Lawrence Wei, and Ramesh Daggubati.
The 67-year-old patient had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, four years prior at another hospital. She was initially told the valve would last 10 to 15 years. However,she presented at WVU Heart and Vascular institute with severe symptoms,including a premature blockage in the valve and heart failure.
Badhwar noted a growing trend. “Unfortunately, when TAVR valves are implanted in patients who are under age 65 or 70 years, have a long life expectancy and may be of lower risk, we are seeing a surge in patients across the country who are in need of having these valves explanted, largely due to premature failure,” he said.
During the innovative procedure, the surgical team robotically removed the patient’s failing TAVR valve. They then replaced both her aortic and mitral valves. The patient was released from the hospital in less than a week.
What’s next
WVU Medicine anticipates continued advancements in robotic heart surgery, offering less invasive options for complex valve replacements and improving patient outcomes.