Valve replacement done without open heart surgery

SCOTTSDALE - Just before Christmas, doctors at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center performed Arizona's first transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the FDA-approved Sapien TAVR valve, a procedure that does not require open heart surgery.

Five million people in America have failing valves and could now be candidates for the operation, and one man says he is alive today because of it.

84-year-old Bill Ruser has a long history of heart problems.

"Back in 1944 I was diagnosed with a heart murmur and was rejected by the Navy and a year later I was accepted by the Army, but I've had a heart murmur for 60 odd years," says Ruser.

Ruser is starting off the year with plenty of good news and better health.

"I was told this morning that the heart murmur has disappeared. So that in itself is a miracle."

Ruser's heart valve was failing and he was the first Arizona patient to receive the newly-approved Edwards Sapien heart valve via a catheter instead of open heart surgery.

"I just lucked out in being number one. I feel fortunate like I won the lottery."

The new procedure is good for older, sicker patients. It is far less invasive than open heart surgery.

"I woke up several hours later, I was told my first words were 'thank God I am alive'," says Ruser.

Ruser says he got the gift of a lifetime when doctors told him he could go home on Christmas Day.

"I'm a lucky young guy. I'm 84 years old and just thankful that a procedure like this is available and that the hospital took the time to spend the money as expensive as this to help people."

How does it work? Doctors use a catheter and go up through the patient's leg and into the chest. The call the new procedure revolutionary.

Those interested in learning more about the TAVR procedure can call the Scottsdale Healthcare Heart Valve Clinic Coordinator at 480-323-3459.