Structural Heart Disease Treatments
Some structural heart disease conditions do not cause problems or require treatment. Others need surgery. Our experts assess your unique situation to develop the right care plan for you.
We have a national reputation for excellence in structural heart disease treatments, so you can feel confident in your care. Our complete range of surgical and nonsurgical options include:
- Fistula closures
- Closure of heart chamber openings
- Heart valve repair and replacement
- Left atrial appendage closure (WATCHMAN™)
- Cardiac rehab
You may benefit from a catheter-based approach to correct an abnormal artery connection, or fistula. This method promotes a faster recovery than open-chest procedures, along with less pain and blood loss.
During a fistula closure, your doctor:
- Inserts a long, thin tube called a catheter into an artery or vein typically in the leg
- Threads a wire coil through the catheter to reach the fistula
- Places the wire coil at the fistula site to patch and close it
Our doctors use a catheter-based method, so you experience less pain, scarring and blood loss. This method involves:
- Inserting a catheter into an artery or vein in the leg
- Threading a wire mesh device called an occluder through the catheter to reach the heart
- Placing the occluder at the opening to seal it off
We are nationally recognized for our skill in fixing faulty heart valves. This expertise helps us deliver great outcomes to people undergoing open-chest and transcatheter procedures.
During transcatheter procedures, our doctors repair or replace a valve using a catheter. The doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel in the leg or chest and threads it up to your heart. This approach is less painful and helps you heal faster. Our team specializes in this advanced form of heart valve repair and replacement.
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), also known as Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a treatment strategy that utilizes the WATCHMAN device. This implant lowers stroke risk in people who have atrial fibrillation (AFib). This common heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) can cause blood clots to form in the heart’s left atrial appendage, or LAA.
We were the first medical center in Northern California to offer the WATCHMAN device after it received FDA approval.
To implant the WATCHMAN device, your doctor:
- Inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in the leg
- Threads the WATCHMAN device through the catheter
- Places the device at the site of the LAA. The device permanently closes the LAA, preventing clots from entering the bloodstream.
Our cardiac rehab team helps you recover after a heart procedure. You receive personalized care and guidance from experts in cardiology, exercise, nutrition and mental health. We are home to Sacramento’s oldest and most experienced Cardiac Rehab Program.
Contact us
For appointments, please call 1-800-2-UC-DAVIS (1-800-282-3284) or connect with one of our heart and vascular specialists.