HICKORY, NC (May 12, 2025) – Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint facility and Duke Health affiliate in Heart, has successfully completed its 50th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, highlighting the hospital’s leadership in innovative minimally invasive heart care.

Performed by interventional cardiologist John Morrison, MD, and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Brett Starr, MD, the procedure represents a significant achievement for the Frye Regional Heart Center.

Frye Regional was the first hospital in the Western Piedmont Region to offer TAVR, a life-saving alternative to open-heart surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Since launching the program in July 2024 in partnership with the Duke Heart Network, the multidisciplinary heart team has provided high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals at high surgical risk.

As a Duke Health affiliate in Heart, Frye Regional is backed by the resources of Duke Health, which provides the most current training and staff education, and access to the latest evidence-based guidelines for heart care.

“At Frye Regional, we are committed to cardiac excellence and compassionate care, close to home,” said Philip Greene, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Reaching this milestone reflects our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional outcomes.”

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a new heart valve through a catheter, eliminating the need for traditional open-heart surgery. This approach reduces recovery time, lowers complication risks and significantly improves patients’ quality of life.

“Fifty patients have received a second chance at life through this procedure,” said Dr. Starr. “This milestone isn’t just about numbers – it’s about the lives changed and the strength of our growing heart program.”

According to the American Heart Association, aortic stenosis affects up to 1.6 million adults in the United States, causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and reduced physical activity. TAVR offers a vital treatment option for those who may not be candidates for surgery due to age or health conditions.

Johnny Wilson from Granite Falls, North Carolina, received his TAVR procedure in December 2024. He shared, “I’m incredibly grateful to the team at Frye Regional. I was back on my feet the next day, and I’m feeling better than I have in years.”

TAVR is one of several advanced procedures offered at Frye Regional Heart Center, including mitral and tricuspid valve repair, surgical aortic valve replacement and more. As a Duke Health affiliate, Frye Regional Heart Center has access to the latest training, evidence-based practices and heart care innovations.

To learn more about the heart program at Frye Regional, visit FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care.