What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
A Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to replace an aortic heart valve. It’s needed once a patient becomes symptomatic with aortic stenosis—a valvular heart problem that causes congestive heart failure, and can lead to sudden death, or cardiac arrhythmia.
Why TAVR?
Previously, open heart surgery was the only method to replace diseased aortic valves but recent landmark studies have shown that a transcatheter-based approach, is not only safer, but preferable. TAVR is the fastest growing procedure in the structural heart disease space. Patients receiving new aortic valves see their life expectancy increase and experience dramatic improvement in their symptoms.
Our approach
Patients with aortic stenosis and prosthetic valve dysfunction are taken care of using a multi-disciplinary approach, assuring quality care and great patient outcomes. Prior to consideration for aortic valve replacement, patients undergo a battery of tests including coronary angiography, CAT scan, and evaluation by the heart team. The heart team includes cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. All of these procedures are done with a catheter-based approach. The average length of stay for these patients is approximately 2 days.
Our team
Dr. Kolski directs the structural heart program at St. Joseph Hospital—the busiest catheter-based heart valve program in Orange County. The outcomes at St. Joseph Hospital are in the top 10% nationally for length of stay and complications. He performs over 100 TAVR operations per year.
Who we treat
TAVR is required in patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis as well as patients who are intermediate risk, high risk or not candidates for open heart surgery, are candidates for TAVR. The procedure is also an option for people who had their aortic valve replaced in the past, but need a new one because the replacement may no longer work well. The average age of a TAVR patient is 82. We’ll soon have data on lower risk patients and may be able to offer these therapies to lower risk younger patients, too.
Are you or someone you love a candidate for TAVR?
Additional Cardiology Services
Dr. Kolski is a highly skilled, nationally recognized cardiologist providing patients in Orange Country with world class heart care services
PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Kolski and the team at Orange County Heart Institute provide full-service evaluation to patients with a strong family history of heart disease and to people who want to know their overall cardiovascular risk.
LIMB SALVAGE PROGRAM
We use minimally invasive techniques to alleviate symptoms and prevent limb loss. Dr. Kolski is on the national faculty for the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and is a nationally recognized expert in this field.
PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION
Protected PCI is a minimally invasive alternative to bypass surgery. Dr. Kolski and the team at St. Joseph Hospital perform many high risk coronary interventions every year.
MITRAL VALVE REPAIR PROGRAM
A reduction in mitral regurgitation is dramatic, leading to improved outcomes and symptoms, and fewer hospitalizations. Dr. Kolski and his team have performed over one hundred Mitraclip procedures in the past several years.
PFO TREATMENT
A PFO may permit blood clots to cross from the right side of the heart to the left side, resulting in a stroke. We perform a catheter-based closure of the PFO with a permanent implant.
TRICUSPID TRANSCATHETER REPAIR
Leaking tricuspid valves can cause liver problems, congestive heart failure and cardiac rhythm problems. Our experienced team has access to the latest device clinical trials to repair leaking tricuspid valves without open heart surgery.
COVID CARDIAC EVALUATION
Patients suffering from COVID-19 related illness can experience problems with blood clotting and coagulation disorders. Dr. Kolski can help determine if you're at higher risk for a stroke or heart attack.
Dr. Kolski performs over 200 structural heart interventions a year and travels throughout the U.S., educating physicians on vascular techniques and Complex Higher-Risk (and Indicated) Patients. He directs the structural heart program at St. Joseph Hospital—the busiest catheter-based heart valve program in Orange County.
Procedures Since 2014
800+
TAVR Procedures
300+
Mitraclip Procedures
600+
Complex Coronary Interventions
400+
Limb Salvage Procedures
Happy & Healthy Patients
In addition to being one of Orange County's leading cardiologists, Dr. Kolski is committed to building relationships with patients built on trust and respect. He goes above and beyond to ensure that patients are comfortable and well cared for.
Dr. Kolski offers his patients bedside manners that seems to have been lost by many doctors today. Dr. Kolski’s attention to me as a patient exemplified his concerns over my entire well being. Dr. Kolski also offers new innovative technologies for vascular blockage that was unavailable to me a year ago. I felt there was little hope because I also have an immune deficiency disease and healing is poor for me. When Dr. Kolski informed me of this new technology and of which he was performing and subsequently teaching other cardiologists at a hospital level...I had hope! Dr. Kolski has always treated me with respect as a well informed patient. He spoke to me in medical terms I could readily understand. Dr. Kolski lays out truthfully all my options including detailed discussions on the risks of any heart procedures. I appreciate his candor. You’re getting one of the best cardiologists in SoCal. He’s kind, compassionate and caring. Dr. Kolski’s cheerful happy manner always makes my visits to him a hope-filled pleasant experience.I am beyond pleased with my experience with Dr. Kolski. It was a world away from previous experiences elsewhere. It was nice to be treated with professionalism and care - from the scheduler to Dr. Kolski. I had been to several other physicians and none of them were able to address my health issue. Dr. Kolski successfully did. In addition, I sincerely appreciate his diligent follow up. I would highly recommend Dr. Kolski to anyone who seeks expertise in cardiovascular care.I feel very fortunate to have found Dr. Kolski. After being referred to a surgeon who adamantly told me I would need a high risk heart surgery, Dr. Kolski reviewed my case and said he could fix my valve and heart arteries through a few small holes in my arm and groin. He was upfront with me about what to expect depending on my choices. I left the hospital on day two with a new heart valve and the main artery to my heart repaired. I feel great.Dr. Kolski was very straight forward and kept things simple - even in the most complicated situations. His advice has helped me through the process, and without him I wouldn’t be able to overcome all of my health issues. I am grateful for all his help.I have recommended Dr. Kolski to both family and friends—he is an excellent clinician. He is also very caring. He explains diagnoses and tests in an easily understood manner.