Leesburg Regional Medical Center Physicians Perform Region's First Aortic Valve Replacement via Catheter

LEESBURG, Fla., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Leesburg Regional's renowned heart surgeons and cardiologists performed two successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantations (TAVI).  These are the first and only procedures done to date in Central Florida.  This new treatment option is for patients with severe, symptomatic native aortic valve stenosis and who have been determined by a cardiac surgeon to be inoperable for open aortic valve replacement.  It is currently a therapy only for the treatment of adult patients who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery.

The comprehensive cardiac team at Leesburg Regional is currently comprised of Dr. Tim Moore and Dr. Duane Cook, cardiovascular surgeons, and Dr. David Lew and Dr. Srivinas Attanti, interventional cardiologists with a combined 50 years of expertise in clinical cardiology, percutaneous intervention, cardiac imaging and surgical therapy.

"We replaced the patients' heart valve without opening the chest by inserting the new valve through the femoral artery directly into the heart through a small incision in the leg and both procedures went well," said Dr. Tim Moore.  "The patients are recuperating and we're pleased with their progress."  CFHA Executive Vice President and COO, Tim Hawkins, stated, "with our vast experience, it's gratifying to know that our hospital is able to provide this therapy to patients who have no other alternative."

About Leesburg Regional Medical Center
Leesburg Regional Medical Center, part of a comprehensive health system, is a 322-bed acute care hospital that has served the surrounding communities in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties for nearly 50 years. Along with a number of specialized services such as Alliance First Care and Alliance Labs, Leesburg Regional offers outstanding cardiovascular, neurosurgical and orthopedic care and is home to the region's only primary stroke center designated with a Silver Plus Award by the American Heart Association. Also, the Leesburg Regional Acute Rehabilitation Hospital offers inpatient rehabilitation treatment for patients who have had a stroke, orthopedic, traumatic brain injury or other neurological disorders. To learn more, visit www.LeesburgRegional.org.

About The Villages Health System
The Villages Health System includes a 223-bed acute care hospital which has more than tripled in size since opening in 2002.  Located in the heart of The Villages, the country's premier active adult retirement community, The Villages Hospital offers world class medical services accessible by golf car.  Already noted for its cardiovascular treatment, orthopedic care, wound healing, and clinical laboratories, The Villages Health System has recently added neurosurgery to its growing array of specialty services. To learn more, visit www.TheVillagesHealthSystem.org.

About Central Florida Health Alliance
Central Florida Health Alliance is a not-for-profit healthcare system consistently ranked at the top in patient satisfaction and outcomes that includes Leesburg Regional Medical Center, The Villages Health System, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, hyperbaric wound treatment and clinical laboratories serving Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. As the premier healthcare provider in the region, the Central Florida Health Alliance takes pride in providing progressive, innovative technology along with strong relationships with patients, physicians and residents of the communities we serve.

SOURCE Central Florida Health Alliance