LCMC Health’s Heart Valve Program is advancing a new era of cardiac innovation for the region

February 22, 2026 - 10:17

Open-heart surgery has long been the primary approach for heart valve replacement. Today, however, breakthrough catheter-based technologies offer patients minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. A dedicated regional heart valve program is now advancing these life-changing innovations, expanding access to cutting-edge cardiac care.

This specialized program focuses on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other catheter-based procedures. These techniques allow physicians to replace or repair damaged heart valves using small catheters threaded through blood vessels, often from the groin. For patients, this typically means no large chest incision, no need to stop the heart, and a significantly shorter and less painful recovery compared to open-heart surgery.

The program brings together a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, and nurses who collaborate to create personalized treatment plans. This team-based approach ensures each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best therapeutic path, whether it be a minimally invasive procedure or traditional surgery.

The availability of such advanced care close to home represents a major step forward for patients suffering from valve diseases like aortic stenosis. It offers new hope, particularly for older adults or those considered high-risk for conventional surgery, providing them with effective treatment options that can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes.