Freda Glatt

Meet 72-year-old Freda Glatt, Westside Hospital's first TAVR patient. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart valve replacement surgery. As part of Westside Hospital's structural heart program, every patient receives a heart team evaluation where they meet with an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Ergle and a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Farivar to decide the best approach.

"Before the surgery, I was walking with baby steps and hardly had the energy to stand up. As time went on, I felt as though I was getting worse. I met with Dr. Ghitis, who told me that my blood was having trouble getting through the chambers of my heart. I was hesitant to undergo open-heart surgery, so that's when I met with Dr. Ergle and Dr. Farivar for further evaluation. They decided that I would be a candidate for a minimally invasive approach to valve replacement therapy through the arteries in my leg and jointly performed the procedure."

"The procedure takes about an hour to perform. It's definitely a team effort," explained Dr. Ergle. "There is an interventional cardiologist (Dr. Ergle), cardiac surgeon (Dr. Farivar), anesthesia team, cardiac cath techs, nurses, physical therapists, valve coordinator, and other ancillary staff that make coordination and care possible." Freda was monitored overnight and walked out of the hospital the next morning.

Prior to her TAVR procedure, Freda was having trouble walking on her treadmill at a speed of 1.0 mph. The day after her procedure, she was already walking at 3.5 mph without any issues or symptoms. She is now able to easily move around her house without any symptoms. Here is what Freda had to say:

"I can definitely feel the difference. Now that I've had the surgery, I feel strong and can actually feel my natural heartbeat. I'm so glad I met these wonderful doctors who used their knowledge and experience to make me whole, again. Whatever kind of surgery they recommend, I would do. The entire staff at Westside Hospital was phenomenal. All the people I met were pleasant, yet business-like, and definitely knew what they were doing. Of course, no one wants to go to a hospital with heart trouble. Should you find yourself in that position, however, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Ghitis, Dr. Farivar and Dr. Ergle from Westside Hospital."