Energized and Breathing Easier Thanks to TAVR Procedure
TAVR Patient, Former Bank VP, Mother and Avid Crocheter
"I’m so glad I had the TAVR procedure. I can breathe much easier and have my energy back."
When Arlene Jonas, 91, entered the hospital at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, she didn’t know she had an issue with her heart. Over the course of her three-day stay, testing revealed she had aortic stenosis. Jonas was referred to MyMichigan Interventional Cardiologist Andrzej Boguszewski, M.D., who recommended she undergo a minimally-invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. Following the procedure, symptoms Jonas previously attributed to age have disappeared, and she is looking forward to getting outside for walks this spring.
Aortic stenosis is a disease that narrows the opening of the heart’s aortic valve. Under this condition, the heart must work harder to pump blood to the aorta – the body’s main artery. “I would get so tired doing simple, everyday tasks,” Jonas shared. “Friends would also comment that my breathing sounded labored just talking on the phone. At my age, I thought it was normal.”
Jonas has always been active, mountain climbing, swimming and hiking while she split time between Bay City and Apache Junction, Arizona. She spent very little time in hospitals throughout her life and enjoyed overall good health. But a healthy lifestyle can’t necessarily stop aortic stenosis. Age, a buildup of calcium deposits that narrows the aortic valve and increased cholesterol can play roles in the developing the condition. Fortunately for Jonas, she was a viable candidate for the TAVR procedure.
TAVR is minimally invasive so it utilizes smaller incisions to replace the valve and return the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. During the procedure, an interventional cardiologist inserts a catheter through an artery in the neck, leg or between the ribs which is then directed to the heart where a new aortic valve is inserted, all without having to stop the heart from beating. Dr. Boguszewski was very pleased with how well the surgery went for Jonas.
“I’m so glad I did it,” she shared. “The hardest part was finding a vein for the IV because mine are small; there was absolutely no pain from the surgery. I was only in the hospital for one night, and they took excellent care of me.”
Jonas’s son, Steve, was complimentary of “Dr. B’s” manner of explaining things and his kindness. He has noticed a positive change in his mom post-surgery. “It’s nice to see her breathing easily and having her energy back,” he said. “We are grateful they discovered the stenosis and were able to provide a solution that was well-suited for my mother.”
These days, Jonas, a former bank vice president, stays busy crocheting, eating out with friends and playing cards during the colder months. She is looking forward to warm weather when she can get outside for walks to keep her heart healthy.
Those who would like to learn more information about TAVR or other minimally-invasive structural heart procedures performed at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland may visit www.mymichigan.org/structuralheart.
