How a Pacemaker and TAVR Changed This Patient’s Life

Charlotte Parker is 85 years old and has lived alone as a widow for 37 years. In the warm months, she can be found outside tending to her flower garden. However, last year, Charlotte couldn’t get outside like she used to. Her heart wasn’t working properly, and her quality of life and independence were quickly declining. She needed to find what was wrong and hoped it could be treated without another open-heart surgery.

Charlotte’s Past Heart History

Charlotte has a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which causes an irregular heartbeat. About 15 years ago, she went in to have surgery to place heart catheters to treat her AFib. What was supposed to be a minimally invasive surgery turned into an open-heart surgery to address two severe blockages in her arteries.

While this procedure may have saved her life and did help address her AFib for some time, recovery was rough. And she vowed to never have another invasive surgery again.

Charlotte’s Health Takes a Turn

As time went on, Charlotte’s symptoms and pain began to come back. Some days were worse than others and it was beginning to take a toll on her everyday life.

Charlotte’s cardiologist had retired since her original procedure, so she was in limbo as she searched for a new provider that was a good fit.

Eventually, symptoms worsened to the point where Charlotte no longer wanted to go on. “Every night I would ask God to not let me see the morning light,” Charlotte shares.

It wasn’t until she saw ProMedica interventional cardiologist, P. Kasi Ramanathan, MD, FACC, for the first time, and heard about a positive experience similar to hers from a family member, that she had hope.

Finding Hope with a Minimally Invasive Option

“A peace came over me when I met with Dr. Ramanathan for the first time. You have no idea the fear I felt before meeting with him. He is such a kind and gentle man,” Charlotte shares.

Charlotte was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis – she had a high risk for another open-heart surgery to replace the valve. Charlotte was still very adamant that no matter what, she didn’t want another invasive surgery. To avoid open-heart surgery, Dr. Ramanathan suggested they proceed with a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This minimally invasive procedure uses a mechanical or tissue valve to replace the diseased aortic valve.

“I wasn’t sure at first, but as Dr. Ramanathan talked, he put me at ease. I thought, ‘I think I’m going to do this!’” Charlotte shares.

The Heart Procedures

In November 2023, Charlotte decided to move forward with the procedure. First, a permanent pacemaker was placed to address her AFib. After just a one-night stay at the hospital, she was back home to recover for one week before the TAVR procedure took place.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous going into surgery,” Charlotte shares. “But everything went great, and I am very pleased.”

Charlotte stayed at the hospital for two days for monitoring, and after that was sent on her way. “I was amazed that I was feeling well enough to go home after just a couple of days. You expect to be at the hospital for weeks after something like this, but you get to go home in just one or two days,” shares Charlotte.

Life After Surgery

Charlotte is feeling great, and her quality of life has improved so much. She hasn’t experienced any heart pain or AFib symptoms since having the procedures.

“If anyone is thinking of having a TAVR, do it. You will be so happy that you did. Life has to be better after the surgery than it is living with those symptoms,” Charlotte shares.

Today, Charlotte is looking forward to getting back outside in her garden this summer.