Susan C's Story (TAVR Procedure)

“You could feel better for a long time,” is the sentiment that inspired Susan, resident of Stamford, CT for 40-some-odd years, to undergo a minimally invasive heart procedure at Stamford Hospital.

Susan credits Dr. Arzhang Fallahi, Carolyn Kasov, APRN, and the entire 9th floor staff for "making it all seem possible” when she was informed she needed a new heart valve and was not a candidate for open heart surgery.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive option for many patients with aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. The TAVR procedure involves inserting a prosthetic valve into the heart with a catheter, guided by both x-ray and ultrasound. TAVR is much less invasive than open heart surgery, and hospital stays are typically shorter for patients.

“Stamford was incredible and doing TAVR changed my life. I didn’t think I would make it. There's no need to go into New York City when there are top-notch experts right there. I cannot emphasize enough how delightful the team was and how on top of their game they were," Susan recalls.

Dr. Fallahi explains, “When Susan initially came in, she was having significant shortness of breath both upon exertion and while at rest. There were various factors particular to Susan’s situation that contributed to the team’s decision against open heart surgery. That’s why we thought TAVR was her next best option.”

The TAVR team at Stamford Hospital was confident Susan could be treated safely with significant improvement in her quality of life. As soon as Susan underwent diagnostic testing and was approved for TAVR, she was given the opportunity to collaborate closely with the anesthesiologists and nurses to guide her throughout the process, for which she was grateful. Learn more about the Heart Team.

Susan stayed at Stamford Hospital for 3 days following the TAVR procedure. At her follow-up visit, Dr. Fallahi and Carolyn were impressed with how remarkable she was doing and how much more active she was. Her kidney function had significantly improved, she was breathing better, and she was already reporting a better quality of life.

Laughingly, Susan remarks, “I’m looking forward to finishing the addition on my house, especially my walk-in, Sex And The City closet and nursing my 10 new evergreen trees. I’m just so happy to be here.”