Valve Clinic
What is Blake’s new Valve Clinic?
The Valve Clinic is a process for evaluating patients with complex diseases of the cardiac valves, such as aortic stenosis or mitral stenosis. The clinic is led by a team of expert cardiologists and surgeons from Blake’s Heart and Valve Institute. Patients with heart valve disease are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel to determine optimal, customized treatment plans. In this way, the valve clinic is designed to be patient-focused and provide a holistic, integrated care model. The clinic also maintains a robust clinical database of complex valve disorders to support research and advances in the treatment of cardiac valve disease.
What types of patients can be reviewed by the Valve Clinic?
Any patient diagnosed with complex valve disease including, but not limited to:
- Aortic Stenosis
- Mitral Stenosis
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Pulmonary Stenosis
Some patients with severe valve disease might be eligible for the new Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), procedure that will be available beginning in late 2012.
Coming Soon!
By late 2012, we expect to have our new TAVR program operational. This exciting new technology will allow our highly skilled physicians to perform percutaneous aortic valve replacement for these otherwise untreatable patients. These procedures will take place in a newly built Hybrid Room, also complete by late 2012. This state-of-the-art combination Cath Lab/ Open Heart Surgical Suite is being built to provide the optimal environment for success. Also premiering later in 2012, Blake will be opening a new high-amenity cardiac post-surgical floor called the Heart Pavilion. This hotel-like unit will include such perks as concierge service and gourmet dining for our guests.
Treatment Options for Valve Clinic Patients:
There are many treatment options for patients who are enrolled in our valve clinic program. These may include medical management and/or options such as:
- Traditional open heart surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Balloon Valvuloplasty
- Coming soon! Hybrid procedures (minimally invasive valve surgery with simultaneous percutaneous intervention)
- Coming soon! TAVR (Trans Aortic Valve Replacement)
How do I become a Valve Clinic patient?
To learn more about the Valve Clinic, or to see whether you are a candidate for the clinic, email us, call 1-855-FL-HEART, or ask your doctor for a referral.
Use the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) tool, or call our Valve Nurse Navigator at (941) 798-6007, to test your heart valve health.
For more information about heart care at Blake Medical Center, please contact us at (941) 798-2121
Our patients have access to an experienced team of physicians, nurses, clinicians and rehabilitation specialists.
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