Structural Heart Medicine

Why Choose Methodist for Your Structural Heart Care?

Methodist is a regional leader in structural heart care, bringing together experienced interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and imaging specialists to deliver highly specialized treatment for even the most complex conditions. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates every patient individually, ensuring that the right treatment is delivered at the right time. Our two-provider approach allows our patients to be evaluated by a collaborating cardiologist and heart surgeon in one visit.

Common Structural Heart Symptoms

Structural heart conditions can develop gradually, and symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging or simply being out of shape. Knowing what to look for can help you seek treatment sooner and get back to living life with confidence.

Shortness of breath: Feeling winded during activity or even while resting because the heart is not pumping blood as efficiently as it should

Fatigue or decreased energy: Feeling unusually tired or unable to do everyday activities that were once easy

Heart palpitations: Sensations of racing, fluttering, pounding or irregular heartbeat

Chest discomfort or pressure: Pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, especially during physical activity

Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint, unsteady or as though you might pass out

Fainting: A temporary loss of consciousness that can occur when the heart is unable to maintain adequate blood flow

Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet: Fluid buildup caused by the heart not pumping effectively

Reduced ability to exercise or stay active: Difficulty keeping up with normal activities due to fatigue, breathlessness or weakness

Structural Heart Treatment Options at Methodist

Patients benefit from access to the latest structural heart technologies and minimally invasive treatment options that can often reduce recovery times and help them return to daily life sooner. Backed by extensive experience and a commitment to innovation, Methodist provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up, giving each patient confidence throughout their heart care journey.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): This procedure replaces a diseased or narrowed aortic valve through a catheter-based approach – where a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. TAVR restores blood flow and offers a faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR): Using a catheter-based approach, heart specialists restore the valve's function, helping reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair: ASD closes an opening between the heart's upper chambers that are present from birth, helping improve blood flow and reduce strain on the heart.

Left atrial appendage closure: This minimally invasive procedure helps reduce stroke risk for certain patients with atrial fibrillation who may not be able to take long-term blood thinners.

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER): This procedure repairs a leaking mitral valve through a catheter-based approach, helping improve blood flow, reduce symptoms and avoid open-heart surgery for eligible patients.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) repair: This minimally invasive procedure closes a small opening between the heart's upper chambers that failed to close after birth and may be associated with certain stroke risks.

Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER): Methodist was the first in Nebraska and Iowa to perform this minimally invasive treatment that helps reduce leakage in the tricuspid valve, improving symptoms such as fatigue, swelling and shortness of breath.

Valvuloplasty and other valve procedures: These advanced procedures repair or improve the function of damaged heart valves, helping the heart work more efficiently and improving overall quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Heart Health

Structural heart conditions often develop gradually, and symptoms may be easy to dismiss as a normal part of aging. If you're experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort, swelling in your legs or ankles, or a decline in your ability to stay active, it may be time to speak with a structural heart specialist.

The structural heart team at Methodist offers advanced treatment options tailored to your condition and goals. Call (402) 391-5055 or request an appointment online to learn how our specialists can help you regain confidence in your health.