Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is proud to announce the successful completion of its 1,000th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, marking a historic milestone for cardiovascular excellence in the Tri-State area. Launched in late 2018, the hospital's TAVR program is the fastest growing in the region, with this milestone highlighting its rapid expansion and vital community impact.
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis, a condition where narrowed valves restrict blood flow and can cause heart failure. Replacing the diseased valve via a catheter instead of open-heart surgery, this advanced technique significantly reduces recovery time, pain, and hospital stays.
"Reaching our 1,000th TAVR procedure is a monumental achievement that reflects the profound dedication, clinical expertise, and seamless collaboration of our entire heart team," said Dr. AJ Voelkel, Interventional Cardiologist at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. "This milestone isn't just about a number—it represents 1,000 lives restored, 1,000 families given more precious time together, and a level of specialized heart care that remains unmatched in our community."
The 1,000th patient, Jim Bryan of Newburgh, underwent the procedure smoothly on Wednesday afternoon. He is a road runner for the Rizpah Temple Shriners out of Madisonville and drives kids to hospitals around the country. He’s also a royal Moose Member in Henderson, a Chapter K Ride Coordinator for KY Motorcycle Road Riders, Honor Guard member and an active member of American Legion in Newburgh.
