Michael Yeung, MD, and John Vavalle, MD, MHS; nurse coordinator Cassie Ramm, RN, BSN;
cardiothoracic surgeons Thomas Caranasos, MD, and Andy Kiser, MD.
In November 2014, Jim Aspell of Durham became the first patient at UNC Hospitals to receive a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a new, minimally invasive procedure for patients who are not able to undergo open surgery for aortic valve replacement.
Aspell’s goals when he had the procedure were to return to the Smith Center to watch a basketball game and to spend Easter with his family. Recently, Aspell accomplished the first goal, going to the Smith Center, climbing the steps to his seat, and cheering for the Tar Heels. In a few weeks, he will be able to accomplish the second goal, sharing Easter with his family. Watch a video of Aspell at the Dean Dome here.
To read more about aortic valve stenosis and the TAVR program at the UNC Center for Heart and Vascular Care, click here.
Thomas G. Caranasos, MD, and Andy Kiser, MD, of the UNC Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery; and John P. Vavalle, MD, and Michael Yeung, MD, of the UNC Division of Cardiology, are the team that performs TAVR procedures at UNC. Cassie Ramm, RN, is nurse coordinator for the TAVR program. For more information, email unctavr@unchealth.unc.edu or call 1-800-806-1968.