Hayward Man Breathes Easier After Heart Valve Replacement

Hayward resident George Hansen has experienced his share of health scares with an abdominal aortic aneurysm 30 years ago, quadruple heart bypass 20 years ago, and colon cancer in 2023. In July, he called 911 with breathing trouble and his oxygen levels plummeting. Tests showed George’s aortic heart valve had to be replaced. Years ago, he might have needed another open-heart surgery, but instead he was able to undergo a minimally invasive procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In fact, George was the 100th TAVR patient at Washington Health since the procedure became FDA approved for community hospitals about four years ago.

Now 85, George is retired from his career as a broker who owned one of the most successful real estate companies in San Francisco. He was an avid surfer since age 16 and a snow skier much of his life. Today, he is working to rebuild strength with hopes he can get back in the ocean and surf once again.

“After my four-way bypass, I was in the hospital for many days, had to take constant pain killers, and was laid up for five weeks,” recalled George. “But with the TAVR procedure, I was home the next day and experienced no negative effects at all. In fact, now my oxygen levels are consistently up to 98%, my heart beats 70 times per minute, and the blood pressure medications I was taking before have been cut in half!”

TAVR is for people with aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the valve caused by calcium buildup that obstructs the flow of oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Symptoms include heart murmur and activity-induced chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fainting. Untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

During the revolutionary TAVR procedure, the new valve is inserted into the femoral artery through a small cut in the groin area instead of traditional open-heart surgery. TAVR patients generally recover quicker and experience less pain, blood loss, and chance of infection. The procedure takes one to two hours and most patients feel immediate relief. They can usually leave the hospital the next day instead of spending several days in the Critical Care Unit.

George is grateful to his cardiologist, Steven DeGalan, MD, and surgeon, Harsh Agrawal, MD. “I would absolutely recommend Washington Health for people who need to have a heart valve replaced,” said George. “The doctors are smart and everyone keeps you informed. The nurses were terrific and the nurse practitioner, Kelly Franco, was number one. The food was great and the facilities are beautiful. What more can I say?”

George has had his share of medical challenges, including a two-and-a-half- month hospital stay one year ago when he experienced complications from colon cancer. He admits he abused his body for decades when he was young, and said, “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for medical technology.” Now cancer free and feeling better with his new heart valve, he is actively dreaming about hitting the waves once again!

For more information about Washington Health - UCSF Cardiac Services, go to washingtonhealth.com/heart