Aspirus | Aspire | Winter 2019

aspirus.org 9 Get more of the story Aspirus has one of the nation’s best cardiovascular programs. Our expertise gives patients like DonMcClellan access to the latest treatment options. Go online to aspirus.org/valve to see amore in-depth video of Don and Dr. Miles. Ronald Miles, MD BACK in business HE HAS 402 unique rock creations on the walls of his store. He offers 40 types of pasties for sale. And he’s had two open-heart operations. Don McClellan of Tigerton, Wisconsin, was facing a third open-heart surgery. “The risks of a third open-heart surgery are very high,” said Ronald Miles, MD, Aspirus cardiothoracic surgeon. “And honestly, the challenges we can find in the operating room with a third procedure are very real.” That’s why Don and Dr. Miles opted for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Asafersolution TAVR is a less invasive, catheter-based technique for replacing the diseased aortic valve. Using guidance from x-ray and echocardiography, a new valve is guided through an incision in the leg while the heart is still beating. “We don’t even put a lot of the patients to sleep,” Dr. Miles said. “We replace the valve in about 45 minutes. Around two hours later, the patient is up and walking. Many of them are able to go home the next day and instantaneously feel better.” That was the case for Don. “I would say an hour-and-a-half to two hours after I woke up, I was totally different. Just a big change for the Enjoy heart-healthy fish, such as salmon, twice a week. To help decrease artery- clogging fats, choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products and lean meats, like skinless chicken breasts. Cut back on sodium (including salt) and added sugars (think regular sodas and sweets). 3. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. If you’re overweight, shedding even just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight can help trim your heart disease risk. “Try to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week,” Dr. Martin said. “Have your doctor check your body mass index (calculated from your weight and height) and your waist size to see if you should slim down.” 4. MOVE THINGS ALONG. Take a brisk walk. Ride a bike. Play pickup basketball with friends. These are just some of the many ways to improve your cardio fitness along with your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Aim for a total of at least 2.5 hours of moderately intense activity a week. Even 10 minutes of activity several times a day can help you achieve that goal. Work in some strength training, too, at least twice a week. 5. IF YOU SMOKE, COMMIT TO QUIT. Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but medicines and quitting strategies can help. And no matter how long you’ve smoked, stopping now will help lower your heart disease risk. Ask your doctor about ways to kick the tobacco habit for good. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SPEAKFORYOURHEART If you have concerns about your heart health, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) who may recommend a referral to a heart specialist at Aspirus. To find a PCP or cardiologist, go to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 . better,” Don said. The procedure is mostly used for older patients. Previously, the only option was an open-heart operation. Now, Aspirus doctors have the ability to replace the valve and give patients a new lease on life. Upandrunning Today, Don is back at his pasty shop in Tigerton. Anyone can stop by (they’re closed on Tuesdays) and ask Don about his rocks, pasties and new lease on life thanks to his TAVR procedure. TAVR gives Tigerton businessman a new lease on life