RUSH is a high-volume center for TAVR, with an average of over 100 procedures performed annually and many physicians with years of experience. Patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis meet with a team of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who collaborate on care. They provide any necessary diagnostic tests and create customized treatment plans, all during the same visit.
Our cardiologists use FDA-approved TAVR valves. Procedures are performed in our interventional platform, a multi-use, hybrid space where surgical and catheter-based procedures are both performed. This room provides specialists with all the tools they need to collaborate and use their individual skill sets to deliver high quality outcomes for patients. Most patients only require one to two days in the hospital to recover after the procedure.
Our cardiologists are also experts in advanced TAVR techniques and technology, such as BASILICA (Bioprosthetic or Native Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to Prevent Iatrogenic Coronary Artery Obstruction). It uses wire-transmitted electrical energy to perforate the leaflet of the bioprosthetic valve and lacerate the leaflet prior to placing the TAVR valve. This results in a splitting of the leaflet, so there is no compromise of coronary blood flow due to leaflet obstruction when the new valve is placed.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Treatment at RUSH?
TAVR is available for patients with aortic stenosis who are at risk for open heart surgery or are looking for alternatives. It can increase the chance of survival and is an effective choice for people at risk of complications from a traditional aortic valve replacement procedure or those who can’t undergo open heart procedures.
It is often recommended for older adults, those who are frail, or individuals who have additional medical conditions that make them better candidates for this type of procedure. But through clinical trials, any patient with aortic stenosis can be considered for a TAVR procedure here. These include patients with severe, calcific aortic stenosis but no symptoms and those with severe narrowing of the aortic valve deemed low-risk for standard surgical aortic valve replacement.
Our cardiologists treat all appropriate cases, including patients who have undergone previous unsuccessful treatment.
Why Refer Patients Here?
- Experts with experience: Our cardiologists have been performing TAVR for years, with more than 1,500 procedures between operators. The procedure has been offered at RUSH for over a decade.
- On the forefront of care: RUSH is part of multiple trials testing newer valves and ways of doing TAVR, which allows us to offer options that patients may not easily find elsewhere. This includes participating in clinical trials that led to TAVR receiving FDA approval, as well as the Edwards SAPIEN valve and Medtronic CoreValve.
- Advanced hybrid facilities: TAVR is performed in our interventional platform, a hybrid lab that ensures physicians across specialties can offer a team approach to each patient’s care and ensure convenience for patients and families.
- Top-ranked heart and valve care: U.S. News & World Report includes RUSH in its Best Hospitals Honor Roll and ranks our cardiology program among the best in the nation.
What Is the Process for Referring a Patient?
To refer a patient, you can call RUSH Cardiology at (312) 942-5020 or complete our online provider referral form. Your patient will be contacted by a team member to assist with appointments within 24 hours. You can learn more on our Referring and Transferring Patients page.
Your patient’s cardiology team will keep you informed of any care plans and treatments your patient receives.
