VCU Pauley Heart Center Announces State-of-the-Art Procedure for Heart Patients

By Cheryle Rodriguez

The Virginia Commonwealth University Pauley Heart Center is offering a new alternative to open-heart surgery for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that restricts normal blood flow. 

Zachery Gertz, M.D., director of structural heart disease in the Pauley Heart Center, is a leading researcher of the new therapy, which is called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Gertz is nationally recognized for participating in the TAVR partner trial, which proved the life-saving potential of the new therapy.

“VCU’s cardiac catheterization laboratory already has a great reputation,” Gertz said.  “Offering TAVR puts us on the cutting edge of treatments for structural heart disease.” 

The minimally invasive procedure involves a new valve being inserted through a catheter in the groin, advanced to the heart and implanted. 

Derek Brinster, M.D., director of thoracic aortic surgery, is surgical director of the program.

“This program is integrated into a comprehensive practice that is the region’s leading center in the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat diseases of the heart and thoracic aorta,” Brinster said. 

Additionally, the Pauley Heart Center offers a full spectrum of clinical cardiac services, from consultation to diagnostic tests to treatment of the most complex cardiac conditions, including artificial heart technology and heart transplant.

The center is an accredited Chest Pain Center, indicated its preparedness for heart emergencies and care for patients with heart attack symptoms.