Recipient of 100th TAVR Procedure at Benefis: ‘I’m back to normal. I just feel better.’
The Structural Heart Program at the Benefis Heart and Vascular Institute marked a major program milestone in January. Dr. Kimberly Atianzar and the structural heart team completed the one hundredth transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure at Benefis.
The TAVR is a procedure to replace an aortic valve that is narrowed and does not open fully. The procedure can help reduce chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, heart failure, and other symptoms of aortic valve stenosis.
Deb Thomas, 73, of Great Falls is already back to her normal routine, managing Borrie’s restaurant in Black Eagle, shortly after the procedure.
“I’m so happy I qualified for the TAVR instead of open-heart surgery,” she said. “I’m back to normal. I just feel better—not so tired and more clear-headed—I have to tell myself to slow down.”
The TAVR procedure is minimally invasive. Patients recover in the Progressive Care Vascular Unit (PCVU).
Deb received her diagnosis in December of 2024 after reporting some shortness of breath to her primary care provider.
“I had no idea I was sick,” she said. “I thought it was part of being 73. I feel like every time you reach a new decade something feels different.”
Deb called her care journey with Benefis excellent. During her recent one-month follow up appointment she shared hugs with Dr. Atianzar and Structural Heart Program Coordinator Morgan Knutson, RN, and she was officially cleared to resume all activities—including bowling with a 13-pound ball.
Deb says every member of her care team at Benefis truly helped her get better.
“Everyone was great, and they got me where I am today.”
Cardiac Rehab is the next step for Deb. She has already completed a few sessions and can feel the benefits.
Dr. Atianzar and Morgan are planning a celebratory dinner at Borrie’s soon.
The importance of seeing a primary care provider regularly is not lost on Deb.
“Listen to your body,” she said, “no matter how minor.”
Dr. Atianzar and the structural heart team have completed eight more TAVR procedures since Deb’s. The first TAVR procedure at Benefis was performed on April 12, 2022, and 55 TAVR procedures were completed in 2024.
