Macon, Ga. (May 7, 2026) – A team from Piedmont Macon Medical Center has successfully performed the hospital’s first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). The procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, the narrowing or blockage of the aortic valve.
TAVR, which is catheter‑based, replaces a diseased aortic valve without the need for open‑heart surgery. Performed by a multidisciplinary heart team led by interventional and structural cardiologist Kishore Harjai, MD, the procedure allows for significantly shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and improved quality of life for eligible patients.
Offering this procedure reflects Piedmont’s continued commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and improving patient outcomes through innovative therapies. It is considered a revolutionary addition to Piedmont Macon’s expanding cardiac capabilities.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to bringing advanced, patient‑centered heart care to our community,” Dr. Harjai said. “TAVR allows us to treat a wide spectrum of patients with aortic stenosis without open heart surgery, while maintaining exceptional clinical outcomes.”
The procedure was performed in Piedmont Macon Medical Center’s Cath Lab/Hybrid Operating Room by a specialized structural heart team consisting of interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and imaging specialists. This collaborative model ensures comprehensive evaluation, precise procedural execution and coordinated post‑procedure care.
With this new offering, Piedmont Macon enhances access to advanced structural heart services close to home, reducing the need for patients to travel outside of Middle Georgia for specialized care.
“Our first TAVR marks the beginning of a new chapter of advanced cardiovascular care at Piedmont Macon Medical Center for our community,” said Sirena Fritz, director of cardiovascular services. “I’m so proud of all the hard work from our team for the successful first procedure and for helping make Piedmont Macon a destination hospital for heart care in Middle Georgia.”
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