Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Recognized for Excellence in Heart Valve Repair, Replacement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Tuesday, July 23, 2024) — Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for demonstrating expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. TMH was awarded ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification based on an evaluation of the hospital’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance. 

Tallahassee Memorial performs more transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR) to treat aortic stenosis than any other heart and vascular program in Northwest Florida and is the only hospital in the region to earn the ACC certification.

The TAVR procedure is minimally invasive and replaces an aortic valve that has narrowed and does not open, slowing or blocking blood flow from the heart. During the procedure, a catheter delivers a prosthetic valve to the patient’s heart through a tiny incision in the groin. It can help reduce chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms with one overnight hospital stay. Tallahassee Memorial’s Structural Heart Program, co-directed by Thomas E. Noel, MD and Pablo A. Rengifo-Moreno, MD, has successfully performed more than 1,000 TAVR procedures in the past 12 years.

“Since starting the Structural Heart Program in 2012, we have strived to provide the highest quality of cardiovascular care for each patient,” said Dr. Noel. “With the ACC Transcatheter Valve Certification, our patients can be reassured the quality of care we provide is among the best in the nation.”

The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor patient safety and real-world outcomes. Participation in established national clinical databases, such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry, is required for hospitals interested in achieving Transcatheter Valve Certification.

“TMH has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Big Bend with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award TMH with Transcatheter Valve Certification.”

“We are honored to be the only hospital in the area to be recognized with this certification,” said Daniel Cavallo, Heart and Vascular Service Line Administrator at TMH. “We are exceedingly pleased to have the ACC acknowledge the expertise of our cardiologists and the commitment of our structural heart team to providing the best possible care for patients throughout the Big Bend.”

To learn more about the advanced heart and vascular care available at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, please visit TMH.ORG/Heart.

###

About Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

Founded in 1948, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a private, nonprofit community healthcare system committed to transforming care, advancing health and improving lives with an ultimate vision of being known as the most engaged and supportive organization in America. Serving 21 counties in North Florida and South Georgia, TMH is comprised of a 772-bed acute care hospital, a surgery and adult ICU center, a psychiatric hospital, multiple specialty care centers, three residency programs and 38 affiliated physician practices. TMH has established partnerships with Alliant Management Services, Apalachee Center, Calhoun Liberty Hospital, Capital Health Plan, Doctors’ Memorial Hospital, Florida State University, Big Bend Hospice and Radiology Associates. For more information, visit TMH.ORG.

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.