Heart Services

Structural Heart

Structural heart care

Structural heart care is the treatment of abnormalities of the heart's structure that may be formed at birth (congenital) or develop over time or because of disease.

Legacy Health's Structural Heart Program uses innovative, minimally invasive treatments to treat a broad range of conditions. We have a multi-disciplinary team approach that includes physicians from cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac imaging and cardiac anesthesia.

Our team of experts provide comprehensive and compassionate care for patients, often as an alternative to traditional open heart procedures. This means shorter procedure times, quicker hospital stays and faster recovery.

Questions? Contact us via email at heartvalve@lhs.org

Referring physicians call: 503-413-4831

Stroke reduction in Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Some new devices may lower the risk for stroke and reduce or eliminate the need for blood thinners or anticoagulant medications. Legacy Health was the first Oregon health system to offer the Watchman device.  For some patients, this can eliminate the need for blood thinning drugs. Find out more about the Watchman

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

For patients with aortic valve stenosis, the TAVR procedure (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is another minimally invasive procedure we offer as an alternative to open heart surgery. Patients work with a team of specialists including a cardiologist, heart surgeons and a valve clinic coordinator. Legacy Medical Group–Cardiology is one of just a handful of Portland clinics which offer the TAVR procedure.

Mitral valve treatment

For those patients with mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve prolapse, for whom traditional surgery is too risky due to age or other health issues, the MitraClip is an option. The MitraClip was first implanted in 2003.  In 2013, it was the FDA’s first approved alternative to mitral valve regurgitation surgery. The MitraClip is inserted through a catheter and guided through a vein in your leg. Once placed, the device works by allowing your mitral valve to close more completely and helps restore normal blood flow through to your heart. Your age, your heart health, and your overall condition will be factors in determining whether the MitraClip will work for you. The average hospital stay is two to three days.

Learn more about the MitraClip

Patent Forman Ovale (PFO)

A Patent Forman Ovale, or PFO, is a small opening between the two upper chambers of the heart. Normally, blood does not flow between these chambers. However, with a PFO, a small amount of blood can pass through the hole, creating an elevated risk for stroke.

CardioMEMS Heart Failure System

For those with heart failure, tracking common symptoms is key to managing the disease. The CardioMEMs Heart Failure System is the first and only FDA-approved tool to help monitor symptoms, reduce hospital admissions and improve the quality of life for patients. One study found that hospitalizations were cut nearly in half in the six months after the monitoring device was implanted in heart failure patients. 

Latest Heart Stories

Read more heart stories
Legacy News
Legacy Health is nationally recognized for high-quality stroke care
 
Patient Stories
Oregon City man thanks Legacy staff for saving his life
 
Healthy Living
Getting to the heart of heart failure