Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, completed its 100th TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure. The Medical Center is the sole full-service heart hospital and the only provider of TAVR in Hudson County. Michael Benz, M.D., Director of TAVR and the Structural Heart Program at JCMC, performed the milestone 100th procedure.

“We have completed 100 TAVR procedures with an impeccable record of zero mortality and a lower risk of complications. TAVR is a life-saving procedure for patients 65 and older with aortic valve problems, commonly presenting with chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting,” Benz said. He added that open-heart surgery was the only option a decade ago, with a long and challenging recovery process.

“Thanks to advanced technology, candidates for TAVR now experience a minimally invasive, almost same-day procedure, allowing them to return to their normal lives quickly,” Benz said. He added patients eligible for this procedure would not go under general anesthesia, enabling them to return to normal activities within a week, as opposed to the months-long recovery period associated with traditional open-heart surgery.

An 80-year-old TAVR patient, Helen Blumenthal, shared her experience: “In September 2021, my EKG results weren’t promising. My mother had heart problems and underwent open-heart surgery in the early 2000s. When Dr. Benz explained TAVR, it sounded significantly easier than open-heart surgery. I was on my feet by evening and back home the next day. The improvement was immediate; I could walk faster, sleep better, and do more around the apartment.” 

Jersey City Medical Center’s commitment to innovative cardiovascular care is further demonstrated by its dedicated valve clinic and heart team, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and expert care. In the past, such specialized programs were not available in Hudson County.

Another patient, Jeff Cryonek, said he was experiencing shortness of breath with minimal exertion, palpitations, leg swelling, and dizziness.

“After consulting with Dr. Benz, I chose to do the TAVR procedure, which was a great decision for my heart and overall health. I experienced a profound difference almost immediately. I traveled and took an extended vacation soon after my TAVR, and I walked extensively during my trip without any issues,” Cryonek said.

For more information about TAVR or to find a cardiac surgeon, please visit: https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/heart-and-vascular-care/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-tavr-/