Structural (Valvular) Heart Disease

When you or a loved one faces a heart problem, you need care from experts who will stay by your side, every step of the way. Billings Clinic offers state-of-the-art, personalized treatment for conditions affecting the heart.

Structural heart conditions involve changes or defects in the structure of the heart, particularly in its valves. Some of these conditions are present at birth. Others are triggered by disease or develop as we get older.

Our facilities that encompass the latest, most innovative treatments and surgeries for conditions that include:

• Traditional open-heart surgeries
• Minimally-invasive surgeries and catheterization procedures that carry shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times

We count with the most advanced diagnostic procedures that include:

• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance for precise and targeted evaluation
• Cardiac rehabilitation and follow up care

Treatments for heart valve disease and structural issues

Aortic Valve

• Surgical aortic valve replacement, including minimally invasive procedures for valve replacement.
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which enables patients to have their aortic valve replaced without open-heart surgery.
• Valve in valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement. When a prior valve fails, it can be replaced by a new one without the need of open heart surgery.

Mitral Valve

• Mitral valve repair and replacement, including minimally invasive mitral valve repair.
• Minimally invasive tricuspid valve repair and replacement.
• Transcatheter mitral valve repair, which uses a device called a MitraClip to repair mitral valve regurgitation.
• Transcatheter mitral valve replacement, to replace a mitral valve that isn’t working correctly.

Cardiac Implant Devices

• Repair of patent foramen ovale, an opening between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) that usually closes at birth. Sometimes it stays open and needs to be surgically repaired.
• Catheter-based closure of atrial septal defect, which is used to close a hole between the atria.

A team approach to personalized care

We use a team approach that brings together cardiologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners and other experts in several different specialties. This enables us to evaluate each patient from every angle and trade perspectives and ideas. Then, we work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each patient and gives them the best opportunity for a good outcome.

We take a “concierge” approach to care. This means our doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and schedulers are always here for you or your loved one, whether you have a question about your condition or need to quickly schedule a follow-up appointment. We guide you through each step in the care process, answer your questions immediately and find time for appointments as soon as you need them. We strive to simplify the process and bundle appointments for those travelling from out of town.

One of our core values is to connect, communicate and educate. We go out of our way to get to know each patient and their family. We take time to educate you on your condition and answer your questions. And, we work hand-in-hand with you to help you select the right treatment and understand everything it entails. This helps our patients feel comfortable that they are getting the best possible care and thoroughly prepares them for their treatment and recovery.

Convenient care, close to home

Patients from across the region travel here for heart care, drawn by our top doctors, our innovative procedures and our excellent outcomes. Whether you or your loved one live nearby or hundreds of miles away, our location in downtown Billings offers ample parking, and easy access to freeways, hotels and other amenities that you and your family may need.

We are the only valve center in the state certified by the American College of Cardiology.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure to replace an aortic valve that is narrowed and doesn’t open fully. This narrowing of the aortic valve, called stenosis, slows blood flow from the heart to the body. Billings Clinic was awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) based on its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures, and on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.