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    Structural Heart

    Our team has clinical expertise in treating patients with heart valve disease, treating those with atrial fibrillation who seek an alternative to long term oral anticoagulation, and certain patients with adult congenital heart issues. The Structural Heart team at Southcoast Health uses advanced diagnostic imaging to treat patients with minimally invasive treatments, and expert care, using a multidisciplinary approach. No matter how complicated your heart issue may seem, you’re in the right place for cutting-edge solutions and compassionate care.

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    Nationally Recognized for Excellence

    The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular at Charlton Memorial Hospital with the ACC Accreditation Services Transcatheter Valve Base Certification, demonstrating the program’s success in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. Charlton Memorial is one of just six hospitals in the New England region, and only the second hospital in Massachusetts to receive this prestigious recognition.

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    When Would You See a Structural Heart Specialist?

    You may need to see a structural heart specialist if you have or are at risk for conditions affecting the heart valves, atrial fibrillation and difficulty tolerating blood thinners, or abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle. Unlike coronary artery disease, which affects blood vessels, structural heart diseases impact the heart valves or heart chambers and can cause symptoms or impact someone’s longevity. You should consider seeing a specialist if you experience:

    • Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down
    • Chest pain or discomfort
    • Unexplained fatigue or dizziness
    • Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
    • Bleeding or concerns about bleeding when taking blood thinners for atrial fibrillation
    • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

    Structural Heart Services at Southcoast Health 

    We utilize the latest technologies, minimally invasive procedures and offer access to clinical trials, giving patients the most advanced treatment options.

    Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) 

    TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a damaged aortic valve without removing the original valve. Using a catheter, a new valve is placed in the heart to restore function, offering a less invasive alternative for patients compared to open-heart surgery.

    Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)

    For WATCHMAN™ and Amulet™ devices, these are one-time, minimally invasive implants for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who need an alternative to blood thinners. About the size of a quarter, it reduces stroke risk by preventing blood clots from forming in the heart.

    TEER (Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair of Mitral Valve) with MitraClip® 

    A minimally invasive heart valve repair technique where a catheter is used to guide into the heart to grasp and pull together the edges of a leaking mitral valve to reduce blood flowing in the wrong direction.

    Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair 

    Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repairs are minimally invasive procedures to close abnormal openings in the heart’s septum. These treatments help reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and improve overall heart function, often providing a faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery.

    Other services offered by the Southcoast Health Structural Heart Program include:

    • Paravalvular leak closure
    • Mitral valve balloon valvuloplasty
    • Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
    • Hemodynamic assessment of pulmonary hypertension
    • Percutaneous left ventricular support devices
    • Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus

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    Transforming the Future of Structural Heart Treatment

    Adam Saltzman, MD

    Dr. Saltzman is the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Disease program. Dr. Saltzman obtained his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and went on to complete a residency in internal medicine at Columbia University in New York where he was recognized as a chief resident. He then completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Columbia before returning to Boston to complete fellowships in interventional cardiology and structural heart disease at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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    Benjamin Zorach, MD, FACC, FSCAI

    Dr. Zorach is a Structural and Interventional Cardiologist. Dr. Zorach completed his interventional and structural cardiology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia Health System, and went on to complete his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where he served as a chief fellow and was recognized with awards for clinical excellence.

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    Jessica Kerensky, PA-C

    Jessica started her education at the University of Florida earning her Bachelor and Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition. She then went on to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Northeastern University.

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    Kelly Walker, NP

    Kelly Walker graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master of Science degree in Acute Care and Adult Critical Care from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Kelly's clinical interests include cardiology, electrophysiology, and structural heart.

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    Kelly Walker, NP

    Kelly Walker graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master of Science degree in Acute Care and Adult Critical Care from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Kelly's clinical interests include cardiology, electrophysiology, and structural heart.

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    Kelly Walker, NP

    Kelly Walker graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master of Science degree in Acute Care and Adult Critical Care from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Kelly's clinical interests include cardiology, electrophysiology, and structural heart.

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    Why Choose Structural Heart Services at Southcoast Health

    Southcoast Health Structural Heart meets and exceeds the national guidelines for a Heart Valve Center of Excellence. Our program is led by experienced healthcare providers from multiple disciplines who evaluate your cardiac and vascular health and offer all available options for the diagnosis and management of your condition, including minimally invasive surgery and transcatheter procedures. Our outcomes across regional and national benchmarks are better than the national standards, and our award-winning staff is waiting to give you the care you deserve.

    Transcatheter Valve Base Certification, American College of Cardiology

    U.S. News World Report
High Performing Hospitals 2024-25, Heart Attack

    U.S. News World Report
High Performing Hospitals 2024-25, Heart Failure

    U.S. News World Report
High Performing Hospitals 2024-25, Heart Bypass Surgery

    America's Best Vascular Surgeons 2024, Newsweek

    Related Services

    Cardiac Electrophysiology
    Cardiology
    Interventional Cardiology

    Structural Heart Providers

    Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular is a nationally recognized leader in cardiovascular care, setting the standard for excellence with cutting-edge treatments, world-class providers, and advanced technology.

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