“I am so grateful for this wonderful technology!”
– Eugene Vaadi
Retired WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veteran Eugene Vaadi, 95, was used to staying physically fit. He lifted weights, walked on the treadmill and rode the bike at his gym. When he started having shortness of breath and fatigue, he became concerned and saw his cardiologist, who discovered Eugene had severe aortic stenosis.
Srinivas Iyengar, MD, FACC, Structural Heart Director at Manatee Memorial Hospital, says aortic stenosis makes it difficult for the valve to open and close. “Traditionally, open-heart surgery is required to replace the valve. But if the patient meets certain criteria, another option is a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive alternative to replace the diseased valve,” says Dr. Iyengar.
Eugene was referred for a series of appointments and tests to determine his best option. He met with two cardiothoracic specialists, and both said Eugene was too high-risk for open-heart surgery, but okay for TAVR. He was scheduled for the procedure on July 11, 2016.
“Mr. Vaadi’s procedure lasted about an hour and he was discharged home after two days,” says Dr. Iyengar. “He was back to doing his regular activities within a week or two. With open-heart surgery, his recovery would have been close to six months.”
Eugene says some of his friends had the TAVR procedure and they had a successful outcome as well, so he was comfortable with it. “Dr. Iyengar and the staff were very helpful and the care I received was top-notch. I am lucky to have this hospital in my community, and I recommend it and the doctors to others,” says Eugene. He has gone back to his normal fitness routine three times a week for an hour and feels great. “I am back to living life, thanks to Manatee Memorial Hospital!”