Butler Health System | Butler Health | Winter 2017

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BUTLER HEALTH SYSTEM started offering a new procedure called TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve
replacement, in September. TAVR is a less-invasive procedure where a replacement aortic valve is inserted
through a catheter. Once in place, the new valve is expanded, much like a stent.
This treatment is available for patients who are at intermediate or high risk for an open surgical aortic valve
replacement, as well as some patients who may not otherwise be able to undergo surgery. TAVR takes less
time in the operating room, has a shorter hospital stay, and has quicker recovery than open valve replacement
surgery.
“We meet with each valve replacement patient to determine whether they are a candidate for TAVR,” says
Marie Delaney, PA-C, Valve Clinic Coordinator. “We take into consideration each patient’s individual medi-
cal history, and their overall health, as well as their test results. Then, we utilize a team approach to create
the best plan for their treatment.”
A special hybrid operating room was needed for these procedures. Funds for the operating room were
raised through Butler Health System’s Foundation.
To learn more about Cardiology Services at Butler Health System, visit the Cardio-
vascular Services page at .
New heart valve procedure
at BHS
Partners
in care
BUTLER HEALTH SYSTEM has recently
announced a new interventional cardiol-
ogy and cardiac surgery partnership with
Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC).
In November 2016, a new diagnostic
and interventional cardiac catheterization
laboratory opened at IRMC’s campus un-
der the direction of interventional cardi-
ologist Rajeev Pillai, MD.
Prior to bringing his expertise to Indiana,
Dr. Pillai initiated and implemented a heart
attack care program in Virginia. “This pro-
gram is important to the residents of Indi-
ana County,” Dr. Pillai says. “This program
can help to ensure that our community
has its medical needs met.”
Dr. Pillai’s extensive experience includes:
»»More than 4,000 cardiac catheterizations
»»More than 1,000 stent procedures
»»More than 200 stenting procedures a
year (national average is less than 100)
»»Average of 35-minute heart attack treat-
ment time (national average is 60 minutes)
In cases where additional intervention is
required, IRMC has the support of Butler
Health System’s award-winning Cardiac
Surgery Program.
In studying its options, IRMC compared
BHS to other local health systems in terms
of clinical quality, cost and service.
“We are very pleased to have been se-
lected by Indiana Regional Medical Center
as its partner in interventional cardiology
and cardiac surgery,” says Ken DeFurio,
BHS President and CEO. “Like BHS, IRMC
is a locally governed, independent health
system that strives to serve its community
with high-quality care at reasonable cost.
I am proud of our entire cardiovascular
team for earning this privilege to help care
for those in neighboring communities.”
TAVR team.
Chest pain, pressure, fullness or squeezing that
lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
Pain in the arms, shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Source: American Heart Association
Sudden lightheadedness, shortness of
breath, nausea or cold sweat
HEART ATTACK:
Know the
warning
signs
If you see these
in yourself or
someone else, don’t
wait. CALL 911.
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