More than two million people in the United States suffer from atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib or AF), according to the American Heart Association. There are more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and it is estimated that three to five percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from AFib.
The Heart Lung Vascular Institute at The University of Tennessee Medical Center now offers options for minimally invasive procedures that bring hope to atrial fibrillation patients for whom no reasonable cure previously existed, including the Mini-Maze Surgical Therapy and Transcather Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
For years, our patient, Sharon, had experienced symptoms caused by atrial fibrillation. When one particular episode required a trip to the ER, she and her husband chose UT Medical Center. Within a couple of weeks, Sharon was under the care of Dr. William J. Mahlow who diagnosed her with aortic valve stenosis and informed her that she would need a valve replacement. Since the medical center had recently begun treating patients with less severe conditions with new treatment options, Dr. Mahlow determined that Sharon was a candidate for the TAVR procedure which is much less invasive than traditional open heart surgery.
Sharon’s TAVR procedure was in February, 2020, and she was discharged from the ICU the following day. Despite an impressive bruise and some mild swelling in her legs, her recovery was so minimal that, six days later, she went on vacation in Florida with her huband and her sister. “Other than not lifting anything over 10 pounds for a week, I had no restrictions, so there was really little disruption to my life,” Sharon said.
In December 2021, Sharon came back to the medical center for a Watchman implant. The Watchman device can reduce the risk of stroke for patients with AFib, often taking the place of blood thinning drugs, or anticoagulents. “I wanted to decrease the meds I was taking,” Sharon said. “I was bruising easily and I was concerned about the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, my insurance no longer covered the cost of one of the prescriptions. Six weeks following my procedure, I was off that medication.”
“The impact of these state-of-the-art treatments has made such a positive impact on my life, and I’m so grateful,” Sharon said. “Although my symptoms weren’t severe, I’m just generally more comfortable. I have more stamina, and I am certainly more confident that my heart is as good as it can be. Without the replacement of my aortic valve, I know my life would be restricted or over by now.”
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of AFib, please encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor today, or call University Cardiology at 865-544-2800.