Eye on Health: How TAVR procedure at Beacon is saving lives in our community

Susan Behling and Jerry Weaver are grateful for a procedure being performed here in our community, a procedure that doctors call game-changer when it comes to the heart. For this brother and sister, TAVR changed their lives.

“I don’t think either one of us would be here right now if we didn’t have it, and so I’m very thankful,” Sue said. She and Jerry had the TAVR procedure about a year apart at Elkhart General Hospital.

TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery, has proven transformative for patients like Sue and Jerry who have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis.

With more than a decade of experience and a commitment to local expertise, Beacon has performed over 1,000 TAVR procedures, ensuring accessible, high-quality care for the community. TAVR’s less invasive approach expedites recovery compared to traditional surgery, making it a preferred option for eligible patients.

“After I had the procedure and I was in the recovery area, I was walking around the hallway farther than I had walked at home in probably three or four years,” Jerry said. “This is going to prolong my life and help me have a better life.”

Hear much more of Jerry and Susan’s story in our latest WSBT Eye on Health story that focuses on heart health.

Click here to learn more about our Beacon heart and vascular care team and the services we provide. Whether you are looking to understand your health risks, are living with an ongoing heart or blood vessel problem or have experienced a life-changing emergency, our Beacon team is here to care for you.