The William Acquavella Heart Valve Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine is dedicated to:
- Providing outstanding care for patients with all types of valve diseases and disorders
- Developing and evaluating new, less invasive techniques for repairing and replacing damaged mitral, aortic, and pulmonary valves
The Center's team of experts has played a leading role in clinical trials assessing the latest percutaneous valve replacement approaches, meaning greater experience than most centers in these emerging new techniques.
TAVR at the Acquavella Heart Valve Center
Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) causes the heart valves to become stiff or weak. It is the most common form of valvular heart disease, affecting up to 1.5 million Americans.
If this condition becomes severe, the aortic valve may not be able to open and close completely. Blood cannot be pumped efficiently, which may cause shortness of breath, fainting, and heart palpitation (the feeling of a rapidly pounding heart).
Some patients may qualify for a promising technique called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). With this minimally invasive treatment, doctors implant a small device into the heart valve with catheters (open-heart surgery is not required).
The cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons at the Acquavella Heart Valve were investigators of the national clinical trials proving the effectiveness of TAVR. TAVR is an FDA-approved treatment and is covered by Medicare and most major insurances.
See video simulations of the TAVR procedure produced by the manufacturer, Edwards of the SAPIEN valve.
PARTNER Trial – NewYork- Presbyterian
This transformative technique has made valve replacement possible for many patients who cannot tolerate conventional heart surgery, and who otherwise, would not have had any other treatment options.
Request an Appointment
To refer a patient or to make an appointment with a specialist at our Center:
Phone: (646) NYP-VALVE or (646) 697-8258
Fax: (212) 746-8432
Email: cornellheartvalve@nyp.org