ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) – Hundreds of people with severe heart valve disease are being treated in the Quad Cities.

UnityPoint Health celebrates 600th person in the Quad Cities to successfully receive TAVR.

The hospital’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement was performed in 2016, and the 600th one was performed on January 15th.

“We are thrilled to be working with UnityPoint Health-Trinity,” said Kathy Pooley, director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health-Trinity.

TAVR is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat severe aortic valve stenosis, a common type of heart valve disease. This procedure restores healthy blood flow by replacing the diseased aortic valve with an artificial valve.

Heart disease remains the community’s No. 1 health issue, she said.

The CDC said heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One person dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds in the United States.

Dr. Param Singh performed his 600th surgery. He said severe aortic stenosis is a common heart disease in older people.

“Traditionally, these could only be treated with open-heart surgery. But replacing this valve with the new procedure TAVR is a true blessing for these patients,” he said.

Marcia Fraley underwent surgery at Rock Island. The 68-year-old man was suffering from dizziness and difficulty breathing. In December 2023, Fraley suddenly felt dizzy at his home in Davenport. She remembers walking a few steps and then waking up with blood hitting her mouth and on the floor. Ms. Fraley’s husband took her to the emergency department at UnityPoint Health Bettendorf, where tests on her revealed a problem with her aortic valve.

“My cardiologist said the opening in my aortic valve was the size of the head of a pin. He said it was one of the worst things that had happened to me in 15 years,” Fraley says.

“I can’t believe it. This procedure saved my life. My cardiologist said that if I hadn’t had the valve treatment, I would have been lucky to live another two years.” Fraley says. “I am now able to walk and talk at the same time, something I struggled with for years. I also have a new goal. I have always wanted to run a 5k and this June I will be running a 5k. will be participating in the Quad Cities Heart Walk.”

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