Generational Trust: How One Family Relies on UC Davis Health’s Heart Care Team for Lifelong Wellness

Facing surgery can be stressful, but Della de Corse felt calm when she learned she’d need a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). She wasn’t worried because she had seen the same skilled team at UC Davis Health help her father over a decade ago.

Della’s father, James Owen Carleton, led a remarkable life. From surviving a rattlesnake bite as a child to becoming a top-ranked tennis player at 85, he overcame numerous challenges. After collapsing during a match, doctors discovered he had aortic valve stenosis. The traditional solution, open-heart surgery, didn’t seem right for him due to his age. Fortunately, he was offered TAVR, a less invasive option that the FDA had just approved.

TAVR allows doctors to replace a damaged heart valve without open-heart surgery. A new valve is delivered through a catheter and placed inside the old valve. This technique has shown quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgeries. Dr. Jeffrey Southard, who performed both James’s and Della’s procedures, noted, “TAVR patients often recover faster and have more options, especially those at higher risk.”

James became the second patient to receive TAVR at UC Davis, paving the way for future patients. After just one night in the hospital, he was back on the tennis court in ten days. Della was inspired by the excellent care her father received, knowing she’d want the same team if she ever faced a heart issue.

Fast forward twelve years, and Della found herself in a similar situation. After a routine checkup revealed her heart murmur had worsened, she underwent an echocardiogram, which confirmed aortic valve stenosis. Just like her father, she sought the same doctors. In July, Della successfully had her TAVR procedure, again performed by Dr. Southard.

It’s fascinating to see how advancements like TAVR have transformed cardiac care. In 2012, only about 23,000 TAVR procedures were performed in the U.S. By 2020, that number surged to over 100,000, showcasing its growing acceptance. This reflects not just technological innovation but the trust patients place in their medical teams.

Della’s journey underlines the importance of having trusted healthcare professionals, especially when facing risky procedures. As she pointed out, having seen the doctors in action gave her confidence that she would receive the best care possible.

This heartwarming story illustrates not just a family’s bond but also the advancements in modern medicine that make such life-saving procedures possible.

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