UofL Health – Jewish Hospital Celebrates 1000th TAVR Procedure

LOUISVILLE On July 22, 2021, UofL Health – Jewish Hospital celebrated its 1000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. Brian Ganzel, MD, UofL Physicians – Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery performed the milestone minimally invasive heart procedure on Patricia Hendricks of Springfield, Kentucky.

“This is truly a team effort because there are so many people involved,” said Ganzel. “Cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians all come together to pull this off and provide good care for the patients. This also takes dedication from the hospital administration because this is not a cheap endeavor.”

“I feel very lucky that I had Dr. Ganzel as my doctor, and I love his staff. I have another whole life to look forward to. I really feel that way now,” said Hendricks. “If you have heart problems this is where you need to be.”

UofL Health – Jewish Hospital was the first in Kentucky to perform a transcatheter aortic-valve replacement, in 2011. UofL Health – Jewish Hospital is a national leader in advanced heart care,” said John Walsh, chief administrative officer of UofL Health – Jewish Hospital. “As an academic health care system, we are committed to advancing minimally invasive heart procedures so patients can quickly return to their loved ones and resume their normal activities.”

Doctors at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center at UofL Health – Jewish Hospital perform cutting-edge treatments, and also train physicians from around the world on advanced techniques.

“Our team’s expertise is helping save lives well beyond Kentucky and Southern Indiana,” said Debra Riley, UofL Health vice president of cardiovascular services. “It’s an honor to work alongside people who truly make a difference.”