Saint Alphonsus Heart Institute Ranks in Top 10% of TAVR Surgical Programs in United States

The health system is the only awardee in 400 miles to receive a 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) for this reporting period

Saint Alphonsus Health System has received the prestigious 3-star rating – the highest possible -- from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) surgical program.  

The recognition places the health system among an elite group of heart centers worldwide and the top 10% of only 830 TAVR surgical programs in the country, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for minimally invasive cardiac care. 

“This rating represents the Structural Heart team’s deep commitment to delivering care that is on-par with leading global institutions to our Treasure Valley patients,” said David McFadyen, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System. “This achievement is more than a milestone. It’s a reflection of the collective drive, unity, and excellence that define our team.” 

This year’s other awardees include global health leaders the Cleveland Clinic and New York Presbyterian Columbia & Weill Cornell Medical Center, and only 21 of the 830 programs received the highest ranking. 

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a narrowed aortic valve that doesn’t open fully. Left untreated, this narrowing can lead to blocked or slow blood flow from the heart to the body. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through a small incision in the leg or chest, making it possible to bypass the need for open-heart surgery. For patients, this reduces the risks of more invasive interventions, leads to fewer complications, reduces the procedural time, and leads to faster recovery times.  
Data from the 2023 TVT Registry estimates that an average of 120 procedures are completed at roughly 800 sites across the country, and additional research demonstrates a correlation between procedural volume and positive patient outcomes.  

The Structural Heart Team at Saint Alphonsus completed more than 800 procedures during the reporting period from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024, and most recently the team celebrated completion of 1,000 TAVR procedures. 

Beyond the data, this has been a program guided by collaboration and a commitment to the highest quality care. Saint Alphonsus Structural Heart Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Joseph Walsh and Dr. Jeffrey Heslop, Cardiothoracic Surgeons Dr. Robert Saeid Farivar and Dr. Ben Taylor, along with a team of more than 30 clinical colleagues have carried out the work during eight years to achieve this important designation, including focusing on setting clear expectations, making patients feel safe and supported, and refining their techniques to deliver the highest quality care.  

“Our coordinators, clinical teams, administrators, and physicians have worked side by side to create a culture of excellence,” Dr. Walsh said. “This recognition is so important because it means that patients in Idaho and the surrounding region now have access to care that meets the highest global standards—right here at home.”  

He added, “This isn’t just a top program in the state; it’s a center of excellence comparable to the Cleveland Clinic. We are grateful and, above all, committed to continuing this work—for our patients, for our region, and for the future of care.” 

Learn more about the Saint Alphonsus Structural Heart Program by visiting Expert Care for Structural Heart Conditions.