Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Heart and Vascular

Max started having severe trouble breathing and had to work for every breath he took. He felt like he was holding his breath for minutes and then trying to breathe in and he was still not able to breath. He was in such bad condition that it limited his whole life. Although, Max is typically very active, he was not able to do any of the activities of daily living. After visiting his physician, Max was diagnosed with aortic stenosis.

He decided to come to Emory because he was told the physicians at Emory were doing an investigational procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement which is an alternative to heart transplant. Max has had a series of illnesses and wanted to avoid open heart surgery.

The doctors at Emory worked together to develop the best course of action. Luckily, Max fit the criteria to receive a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Just weeks after the procedure, Max was able to return to many of his daily activities including walking. He thinks that the team work between the physicians was a deciding factor in how fast he was able to recover. He said “It is quite unique at Emory”. Max hopes to live many more years with his wife, children and grandchildren and is thankful he was able to participate in this investigational trial to treat aortic stenosis.