Community hospital helps patients find new strength through TAVR
Winton Forsberg is a spry91-year-old with a calendar full of family time– and because of the expertise and care he received from M Health Fairview, he is busier than ever.
Winton, who in his tenth decade is still a handyman and yard work enthusiast, was helping his daughter one afternoon in August 2025.But that day, the yard work took much longer than usual, and he needed multiple breaks. A few days later, he still wasn’t feeling well. His family encouraged him to seek care.
He arrived the next day at the M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital emergency department with swelling in his legs and shortness of breath – noting these symptoms had been occurring for approximately three months. Recognizing the signs of heart failure, the emergency department care team sprang into action.
A seamless care experience
After initial testing, Winton was admitted to the hospital. There, he met Interventional Cardiologist Ruben Alexanian, MD, structural heart specialist focusing on complex coronary and structural interventions, including transcatheter valvular heart replacement, and Physician Assistant Christa Heckman, PA-C, who has more than 19 years’ experience in cardiology, cardiac surgery, and structural heart disease. Both are part of the comprehensive Heart Care team at M Health Fairview.
Test results from Winton’s echocardiogram revealed signs of aortic stenosis, severe fluid overload, and low pumping function. His low pumping function and a narrowed valve were particularly concerning for Alexanian and Heckman. Two-year survival rates for untreated severe aortic valve narrowing are 50%, but that rate can drop to 20% if pumping function is also weak.
“The next phase of Winton’s care went extraordinarily fast,” Alexanian said. Within days, Winton received a coronary angiogram and a CT scan. Ultimately, Alexanian determined that Winton was eligible for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Despite several tests and procedures, Winton recalled: “I never had any pain. I never had any real fear. And I was never bored. They took good care of me.” Winton also spoke highly of his friendly and helpful nursing team, alongside the many family members who spent time with him each day.
TAVR makes a second chance possible for patients like Winton
TAVR, a minimally invasive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement, has been available for M Health Fairview patients experiencing heart valve failure since 2012. This procedure has improved patient outcomes and significantly reduced the recovery time versus traditional open-heart surgery to replace a valve – which historically was the only option for patients with advanced aortic stenosis.
During a TAVR procedure, specialists like Alexanian attach a heart valve to a catheter, make a small incision in the leg, and advance the catheter through the femoral artery up to the heart. Once placed in the heart, the new aortic valve begins working immediately. After the procedure, patients typically require four hours of bed rest and are back to regular activities in 1-2 weeks with no restrictions.
“TAVR increases your survival rate back to or near your age-matched cohort or regular survival curve – as if you didn't have the valve issue,” Alexanian said.
Compare that to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), which often requires 5-7 days in the hospital, including several days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients often need 12 weeks to resume everyday activities like driving, allowing the sternum time to heal, and many patients are not fully back to normal life for up to a year.
Prior to TAVR, Winton’s treatment options would’ve been much more limited due to his advanced age. “There are a lot more risks with surgical valve replacement, like coming off bypass,” said Heckman. “Especially at 91 years old. Without a less an invasive procedure like TAVR, we may not have been able to give Winton, and other patients, a second chance at life.”
A quick recovery, and returning to routine
Winton’s TAVR procedure was completed one month after his visit to the emergency department. Recovery came just as quickly for him – he was discharged home the following day and reported no complications or shortness of breath at his one-month follow up appointment.
He continues to have routine checkups with the care team and is doing well. Winton is back to his routine of making memories with family. He helped his daughter rake fall leaves. In December, he and his wife celebrated their 68th anniversary together with their two children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Raising the standard for community hospitals
M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital was ranked the top hospital in the Twin Cities for Cardiology by HealthGrades in 2025. The team at St. John’s was also recognized among the top 10% of cardiac specialty programs in the country by HealthGrades and was awarded the 2025 Coronary Intervention Excellence Award. St. John’s is also a five-star recipient for treatment of heart failure. The TAVR Program was also awarded the 2025 Honor Roll Award by the American Heart Association for timely and evidence-based care of our patients.
For 70 years, M Health Fairview has been a national leader in heart care, transforming lives with pioneering advances in open-heart surgery, valve replacements, transplants, cardiac resuscitation, and other breakthroughs. From diagnosis to discharge, patients are surrounded by a comprehensive and compassionate team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, advanced practitioners, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, and an array of other healthcare professionals. Together they bring a deep understanding of academic medicine and advanced clinical care to tailor our treatment to each patient’s individual condition.
Learn more about heart care at M Health Fairview.
