Valve Center

The Valve Center: Expert Care in Tampa, Florida

St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Valve Center at the Heart Institute is led by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, structural cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists and cardiac imaging radiologists who work together to deliver a multifaceted level of cardiac care to patients with complex valve disorders. This multimodal approach ensures patient-centered care that includes a comprehensive review of each person’s individual case, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan which may include surgical or non-surgical procedures. 

The Valve Center was developed to be the first step for a patient with a multitude of valvular problems, especially severe aortic stenosis, to determine if the patient might be a candidate for a minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure.

St. Joseph's Heart Institute is recognized nationwide as a leader in treating valvular heart disease. Heart valve conditions we treat surgically or non-surgically include:

  • Valvular stenosis, when the valve opening is smaller and narrower than normal. This reduces the amount of blood flow, which makes the heart less efficient and prevents the body from receiving the blood it needs.
  • Valvular regurgitation, also called valvular insufficiency or "leaky valve." The valve does not close properly, allowing the blood to leak backward through the valve. Valve atresia is a birth defect in which a valve is missing or unformed. Blood can't flow to the lungs and pick up oxygen, depriving the body of oxygen it needs. Our pediatric cardiac specialists at St. Joseph’s Children Hospital can treat this condition through the minimally invasive Melody Valve procedure, which prevents open heart surgery.
  • Mitral valve prolapse, which occurs when the valve between your left upper chamber and left lower chamber does not close properly. This can lead to valve regurgitation. Most people with mitral valve prolapse have mild disease that is stable and doesn't require treatment. But sometimes the valves get more stretched out over time and can cause symptoms. Medications can help relieve symptoms, but sometimes surgery is required.
  • Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR), a minimally invasive, non-surgical option for people who are unable to undergo open-heart surgery due to severe medical problems. Unlike traditional surgery, this procedure does not require opening the chest or temporarily stopping the heart. Instead, a catheter is passed through the femoral vein in the leg and is used to implant a clip, called a MitraClip, in the center of the mitral valve. This allows the valve to continue to open and close, allowing blood to flow while reducing mitral regurgitation.

What to Expect at the Valve Center

The Valve Center Coordinator will work with you one-on-one to help guide you through the process every step of the way. You will meet with a team of cardiac experts, including cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists, who will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your best treatment plan. Members of the team will discuss your health and treatment options with you. Once completed, you will receive assistance in managing your disease progression and any necessary treatment, when appropriate. The St. Joseph’s Hospital Valve Center is committed to providing an exceptional experience to people searching for new options in regards to their heart care.

Scheduling an Evaluation

If you have heart valve disease and would like to be evaluated at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Valve Center, and you have a primary care physician or cardiologist, you should first consult with him or her. The team is committed to working with your referring physicians on your treatment plan so that you have a smooth transition back to their care.

Contact Us

For more information or a physician referral, call (813) 644-4322.

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