Wheeling Hospital celebrates 500th TAVR procedure, marking major milestone in structural heart program

Wheeling Hospital proudly announces the completion of its 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, a significant milestone that reflects nearly a decade of growth, innovation, and life-changing cardiac care in the Ohio Valley.

The Structural Heart Program was launched in 2017 with the introduction of TAVR, a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat severe aortic stenosis in patients who may be at intermediate or high risk for open-heart surgery. Since that time, the program has expanded significantly, adding structural heart services and building a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care.

“Reaching 500 TAVR procedures represents 500 lives impacted, 500 patients given renewed strength, improved quality of life, and more time with their families.” Said Deepak Hooda, MD MPH, director Structural Heart and Cardiac Cath Lab, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Wheeling Hospital. “This milestone reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our entire structural heart team.” 

Over the years, the Structural Heart Program has grown in both volume and clinical excellence. With a multidisciplinary team of interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and support staff, the program has achieved outstanding clinical outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks.

The hospital credits much of the program’s growth and success to its partnership with WVU Medicine and the resources provided through WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital. This collaboration provides patients in the Wheeling region with access to leading-edge technology, clinical research, and a full spectrum of advanced cardiovascular services close to home.

“Our partnership with WVU Medicine provides endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and excellence,” added George Sokos, DO FACS, chair WVU Heart Vascular Institute. “The impressive number of TAVRs performed stands as clear evident of HVI’s unwavering commitment and the tremendous support from our community,” said Dr. Campsey, chief of cardiology, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Wheeling Hospital.

Since its inception in 2017, the TAVR program at Wheeling Hospital has grown significantly, not only in volume, but also in quality matrix. “Together, we are committed to bringing the highest level of structural heart care to our community,” said Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine’s North Region.

“It is wonderful to see our WVU HVI team at Wheeling Hospital perform the 500th TAVR. They have consistently recorded the best outcomes for patients in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle,” added Ramesh Daggubati, MD, associate chair HVI and system director for structural heart and interventional cardiology.