Valley Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the expansion of its Cardiovascular (CV) service line to include a cutting-edge Structural Heart Program, anchored by the introduction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This advancement positions Valley Regional Medical Center as the first and only hospital in Cameron County to offer this lifesaving, minimally invasive procedure.
TAVR is a revolutionary technique that allows physicians to replace a diseased aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. Instead, a catheter is inserted through a small incision in the leg and guided to the heart, where a new valve is placed inside the old one. This approach significantly reduces procedure time, hospital stays and recovery periods—offering patients a safer and faster path to healing.
“TAVR is a game-changer for patients who are 65 years and older and at high or intermediate risk for traditional surgery,” said Dr. Guillermo Salinas, the interventional cardiologist that performed the first TAVR at Valley Regional Medical Center. “It allows us to treat severe aortic stenosis with precision and care, while minimizing the physical toll on our patients.”
The addition of TAVR reflects Valley Regional Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered cardiovascular care close to home.
“Valley Regional Medical Center is dedicated to bringing the most innovative treatments to our community,” said Joe Hernandez, chief executive officer. “Being the first in Cameron County to offer TAVR is a testament to our leadership in heart care and our mission to improve lives through excellence in medicine.”
To learn more about the cardiovascular services offered at Valley Regional Medical Center, visit our heart & vascular page.