Aortic Valve Care Service
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with aortic valve disease, getting the best care means partnering with an experienced team of experts. Columbia is an established center for innovative aortic valve disease care, having helped pioneer many of the most advanced treatments in use today, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our Aortic Valve Care team has the experience and skill to provide the best outcomes, even for complex cases.
- Columbia has pioneered the field of transcatheter valve replacement, playing a leading role in the landmark PARTNER clinical trials that helped establish TAVR as a safe and effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement.
- As part of the Columbia Structural Heart and Valve Center, our aortic valve care team offers outstanding results over other area programs.
- We offer access to the latest innovations for improved safety and effectiveness, including reduced risk for complications like stroke.
To make an appointment with our Aortic Valve Care team, please call (212) 342-0444 or complete our online appointment request form(link is external and opens in a new window).
What is Aortic Valve Disease?
The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. Aortic valve disease keeps the valve from functioning properly and has two main forms:
- Aortic regurgitation: when the aortic valve cannot close properly, blood flows backward into the left ventricle. This reversed flow creates pressure that can cause structural damage to the heart.
- Aortic stenosis: when the aortic valve stiffens, it becomes difficult for blood to flow out. The heart is forced to work harder, which can lead to long-term damage (heart failure).
Learn More About Aortic Valve Disease
Our Services
We offer the latest treatments for aortic valve disease, including access to clinical trials for the most advanced new devices and procedures.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that that replaces a diseased aortic valve without open heart surgery. Using advanced imaging techniques for guidance, a replacement valve device is delivered to the heart through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, shoulder or neck. The device is then implanted within the diseased or failing valve.
In 2019, TAVR was approved by the FDA for patients with low surgical risk, in addition to intermediate and high-risk patients. TAVR is now an option for the majority of patients with aortic stenosis, offering a much shorter recovery time and lower procedural risk than open heart surgery.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
A mechanical or biological tissue valve is implanted to take over for the damaged aortic valve. This type of treatment is highly effective, but as with all major surgeries, can take a significant toll on the body. This approach is not appropriate for all patients, but SAVR may be a more appropriate choice for some patients, including younger patients who might benefit from a mechanical valve, patients with unique valve anatomy, or those with smaller blood vessels.
Learn More About Aortic Valve Treatments
Program Highlights
An Unmatched Wealth of Aortic Valve Expertise
The Center works with specialists from Columbia’s Aortic Center and the Schneeweiss Adult Congenital Heart Center to offer comprehensive, collaborative care for all patients with aortic valve issues, even in cases of complex disease or anatomy.
A Leading Site for Aortic Valve Research
Columbia is an epicenter for clinical research and is a main site for major clinical trials. We are proud to have helped develop some of the most impactful advances and devices in the field, including TAVR. And we’re active in research into ways to make transcatheter procedures even safer, including embolic debris filters to reduce the risk of stroke.
Outcomes You Can Trust
The Columbia Structural Heart and Valve Center has a proven track record of superior outcomes compared to other local hospitals, all while taking on the toughest cases. Our team of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons work together to determine the best approach for treatment, including minimally invasive procedures and hybrid surgery.
World-Class Imaging
Thanks to our unparalleled excellence in cardiac imaging, we can tailor our procedures to your specific anatomy with confidence. We aim to deliver outstanding results, not just in the short term, but for years to come.
A Team to Partner With For Years to Come
Valve diseases are chronic, long term conditions that require lifelong support. Our comprehensive care team will partner with you for long-term followup and management.
Care at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is home to one of the most advanced Catheterization Laboratory in the nation. Our team provides the highest level of care using the latest technology, including on-site access to advanced diagnostic testing to ensure your treatment is fast, comfortable, and effective.
Columbia Virtual Visits
For some appointments, it may not be necessary to come into the office at all. We offer Virtual Visit Telehealth appointments so you can see your doctor from the comfort of your own home. When you contact us to make an appointment, our team will work with you to determine if a Virtual Visit is right for you.
What Specialist Will Be Part of My Care?
Our Team
Interventional Cardiology
Susheel Kumar Kodali, MD
Martin B. Leon, MD
Tamim M. Nazif, MD
Vivian Gar-Yan Ng, MD
Mahesh Vasantha Madhavan, MD
Robert Sommer, MD
Torsten Peter Vahl, MD
Cardiac Surgery
Arnar Geirsson, MD
Isaac George, MD
Luigi Pirelli, MD, FACC
Cardiovascular Imaging
Rebecca T. Hahn, MD
Vratika Agarwal, MD
Mark Lebehn, MD
Locations
CUIMC/Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
CUIMC/Milstein Hospital Building
177 Ft. Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
ColumbiaDoctors - 1995 Route 17m
1995 Route 17m
Goshen, NY 10924
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment with our Aortic Valve Care team, please call 212-342-0444. You can also complete our online appointment request form(link is external and opens in a new window), and our office will follow up with you soon.
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment.