Sat down today with Dr. Kevin Brady to talk about TAVI, or as he corrects me with a smile, TAVR (R is for Replacement). Dr. Brady is a cardiothoracic surgeon, and one of the few currently performing TAVI/ TAVR here in Arizona. As we’ve discussed before, I have mixed feelings on this procedure but have elected to provide the information here for my interested readers.
Dr. Brady shares many of my apprehensions, that the public will come to view this currently quasi-experimental treatment for very high risk, and inoperable patients with Aortic Stenosis as a ‘easy fix’. We discuss this at length, and he reviews the current recommendations guiding the implementation of TAVR programs, and the TAVR registry with me.
As part of this discussion, I have invited Dr. Brady to write a short post here, explaining the procedure, patient selection criteria and other facts about TAVI/ TAVR. With over 41 Core-valve implantations (since March 2011, as part of the Core Valve Pivotal trial) and seven Sapien valve implantations this month, he certainly qualifies as an expert on the topic.
Dr. Brady will be able to give readers a more in-depth perspective on this procedure. As all of you know, I have taken a fairly cautious stance on this issue. (I haven’t talked him into letting me observe yet, but I am working on it.)
Southwest Heart & Lung
10930 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 103
Phoenix, Arizona 85020
Tele: 602-263-7600
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