On April 8, Shankho Ganguli, MD is set to perform the first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure at Mercy Health— Lourdes Hospital in two years. This marks the official restart of the hospital’s structural heart program, which is poised to enhance care for patients in the western Kentucky community.
Jesse Morrison, Director of the Cardiovascular Service Line at Mercy Health— Lourdes Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s revival, stating, “The structural heart program will provide comprehensive care for patients with heart defects. We will diagnose and treat various conditions, including valve disease, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle disorders.”
Structural heart defects can impact individuals of all ages. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital for achieving favorable health outcomes. Morrison also emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes—such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding smoking—to effectively manage structural heart conditions.
Dr. Ganguli echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction in restarting the TAVR procedure. “TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve in the heart without the need for open-heart surgery. This intervention is typically recommended for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow,” he explained. “Patients undergoing TAVR generally experience a swift recovery—often within a few days—alongside improved blood flow and reduced symptoms associated with aortic stenosis.”
The reestablishment of the structural heart program and the introduction of the TAVR procedure represent advancements in the quality of compassionate care provided by Mercy Health— Lourdes Hospital to the Paducah area.
Jesse Morrison, Director of the Cardiovascular Service Line at Mercy Health— Lourdes Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s revival, stating, “The structural heart program will provide comprehensive care for patients with heart defects. We will diagnose and treat various conditions, including valve disease, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle disorders.”
Structural heart defects can impact individuals of all ages. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital for achieving favorable health outcomes. Morrison also emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes—such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding smoking—to effectively manage structural heart conditions.
Dr. Ganguli echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction in restarting the TAVR procedure. “TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve in the heart without the need for open-heart surgery. This intervention is typically recommended for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow,” he explained. “Patients undergoing TAVR generally experience a swift recovery—often within a few days—alongside improved blood flow and reduced symptoms associated with aortic stenosis.”
The reestablishment of the structural heart program and the introduction of the TAVR procedure represent advancements in the quality of compassionate care provided by Mercy Health— Lourdes Hospital to the Paducah area.