HCA Florida Northwest Hospital prepares to offer new minimally invasive heart valve procedure for patients

Margate, Florida – Patients in South Florida who require heart valve replacement may soon have access to a new, minimally invasive procedure at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital. Last week, work crews began transforming an operating room into a specialized space equipped for transcatheter aortic valve replacements, a procedure that offers an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.

Hospital officials announced the addition of two new cardiac surgeons to perform the procedure, which is expected to start by the end of the year. Unlike open-heart surgery, the transcatheter approach often allows patients to go home the next day with a new heart valve in place.

“I am excited to move to South Florida, where my family is, and bring this technology and the world of structural heart to our community and patients here,” said Sodhi Sood, MD, a structural and interventional cardiologist and the new medical director of the hospital’s structural heart and valve program.

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The transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure involves threading a catheter through the patient’s arteries, usually the femoral artery in the groin, and guiding it up to the heart. Using the catheter, doctors deliver a new valve to replace the diseased one. The procedure is primarily used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows or stiffens, making it difficult for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

“It is generally a disease of older patients,” said Melissa Kenny, valve coordinator for the new initiative at HCA Florida Northwest. “It is not something that they’ve done or haven’t done that causes the stenosis or the narrowing and the hardening of the valve.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aortic stenosis affects about 5% of people over the age of 65. The condition often occurs alongside other heart issues, and risk factors include a family history of heart valve disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.

Patients with malfunctioning heart valves may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or the sensation that they are about to pass out, Dr. Sood said. For many, transcatheter valve replacement offers a lifeline.

“Many of our patients can benefit from these minimally invasive technologies because, otherwise, there are limited options for these patients who may be too high-risk for traditional open-heart surgery,” Kenny said. “If they’re too high-risk, they may not have very many other options at all to help improve their symptoms and their quality of life.”

The procedure is performed by a multidisciplinary team that includes an interventional cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, a cardiac anesthesiologist, imaging specialists, and nurse specialists. This collaborative approach allows the team to create personalized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring the best possible outcome.

“Our goal as a team is really to meet patients, understand how we can help their quality of life and put together a unique and personalized treatment plan that really helps them feel better and get back to their life,” Dr. Sood said.

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The expansion into HCA Florida Northwest Hospital marks a significant step forward for cardiac care in the region. With the rise in conditions like aortic stenosis among older adults, the hospital aims to provide cutting-edge technology that is less invasive, reduces recovery time, and improves overall patient outcomes.

For patients who might otherwise face the risks and long recovery associated with open-heart surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers hope and a chance to regain daily function with fewer complications. Hospital officials believe this procedure will not only help patients live longer but also enhance their quality of life, allowing them to enjoy activities that were previously limited by heart conditions.

With construction underway, the hospital is finalizing the specialized operating room and expects to begin performing procedures before the end of the year. Patients and families interested in learning more about the transcatheter aortic valve replacement program are encouraged to contact HCA Florida Northwest Hospital for information about eligibility, consultations, and scheduling.