Crozer-Keystone brings TAVR to Delaware County
UPLAND >> The name of the procedure is a mouthful, but the impact it’s having on patients is huge. It’s called transcatheter aortic valve replacement—TAVR for short – and Crozer-Chester Medical Center performed its first two procedures this week. Making the procedure accessible in Delaware County revolutionizes how patients with aortic valve disease can access the procedure outside of urban academic medical centers.
“Put simply, TAVR involves the replacement of a diseased or malfunctioning aortic heart valve through a very small incision in the groin you cannot even see,” said Muhammad Raza, M.D., FACC, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Crozer-Keystone Health System.
TAVR is used to treat patients with a specific condition called aortic stenosis —a progressive, life-threatening disease that causes a narrowing of the aortic valve. Most common in middle-age and elderly patients, this narrowing reduces the flow of blood out of the heart and throughout the rest of the body. The only way to fix the problem is to replace the faulty valve.
“Think of the heart as a house and the valves are the doors,” Raza said. “The aortic valve is the main door and if it doesn’t open and shut well, blood can’t be pumped out of the heart very efficiently. That leads to shortness of breath and chest pain but occasionally loss of consciousness and possibly even death.”
In the past, open-heart surgery was the only way doctors could replace the aortic valve. However, some patients are at high risk for complications from traditional surgery due to age or other health conditions. That means they couldn’t have surgery. TAVR solves that problem.
During the TAVR procedure, doctors carefully thread a new aortic valve to the site of the diseased valve through a catheter in an artery in the groin. Once there, the new valve is secured into place and immediately begins correcting the flow of blood. Following the procedure, which typically requires a one- or twonight hospital stay, patients report an almost total elimination of their symptoms.
TAVR procedures at Crozer-Keystone are performed in a state-of-the-art cardiac hybrid room. This room integrates the features of an operating room with the imaging technology of a catheterization laboratory.
When it was first introduced, TAVR was only used in patients who are at high risk for complications from traditional open-heart surgery. Recent studies have shown, however, that TAVR is also effective in younger, healthier patients. TAVR is now considered the standard of care for aortic stenosis, no matter a patient’s age or health.
William Penn School Board members recognized for dozen years of service
Since 1983, Pennsylvania School Boards Association has been recognizing the contributions of dedicated local school directors through the Honor Roll of School Board Service when they reach exactly 8, 12, 16, 20, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 years of service on a local school board. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to express gratitude to those who give unselfishly of their time, energy, values, and talents for the future of public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Certificates of Appreciation from PSBA were presented to Jennifer Hoff, Robert Wright, and Marion Fitti, who each have 12 years of board service to the William Penn School District.
In a statement, PSBA wrote, “They exemplify leadership and dedication, giving unselfishly to their communities, students and the public schools. Their efforts, along with those of their fellow board members, reflect their dedication to giving our children the opportunity to gain knowledge through the best educational system possible.”
Aldan Union Church presents ‘Redemption of Scrooge’ performance
Aldan Union Church will present the Christmas drama, “The Redemption of EB Scrooge: A 21st century adaption of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol.” For two performances, Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec.
15 in the church’s sanctuary. The performance will begin
6:30 p.m. on both nights. The Saturday evening performance will be followed by a meet-and-greet and light desserts with the cast. This event is free. If church parking lot is full, there will be plenty of parking available in the Providence Park lot across the street. The church is at 7 E. Providence Road, Aldan.
Foster Grandparent Program seeks volunteers
The Foster Grandparent Program, one of the programs available through the County of Delaware Services for the Aging, is seeking volunteers who would like to give their time to make a difference in the lives of children who need it most. Foster Grandparents are individuals who mentor and tutor youth and at-risk children in schools, childcare centers and Head Start centers.
Foster Grandparents have the power to help a child who needs them. Children receive individual attention that they may not otherwise receive. Their confidence and self-esteem are raised enabling them to succeed in school and to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. They achieve personal independence so they can learn to overcome their problems and become productive members of society. Their lives could be forever changed thanks to a Foster Grandparent.
Volunteering as a Foster Grandparent not only benefits the life of a child. Volunteers are also helping themselves. Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Foster Grandparents will experience joy knowing that they are making a difference in the life of a child. They will receive love and admiration from a child and receive support and respect from teachers and peers. They will obtain personal satisfaction knowing that they share their wisdom and guidance with those who need it most.
To be a Foster Grandparent, a person must be age 55 and older and able to serve a minimum of 15 hours a week. Benefits offered include transportation and a tax-free stipend up to $400/ monthly.
Anyone interested in volunteering as a Foster Grandparent can call 610-4901498 for more information.