TAVR was just the right procedure for one patient's "rusty" heart valve

January 24, 2025 Swedish Heart & Vascular Team

In this article:

Watch KING5's recent special "Your Heath: Today & Beyond" featuring our experts who are practing some of the nation's most advanced specialized medicine.
Meet patient Larry Finegold and Dr. Sameer Gafoor. Dr. Gafoor and his team replaced one of Larry's heart valves using a minimally invasive known as TAVR.
Meet some of our other caregivers in cancer, maternal and behavioral health care.

Attorney Larry Finegold turned to the experts at the Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute when he needed to have a heart valve replaced. He met with Sameer Gafoor, M.D., who leads the nationally recognized structural heart team at Providence Swedish.

Knowing Larry wanted minimal downtime, Dr. Gafoor recommened Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, for him. TAVR is an alternative to more invasive open heart surgery that requires less cutting and less recovery time.

Larry and Dr. Gafoor were featured on "Your Health: Today & Beyond" a recent special Seattle's NBC affiliate KING5-TV. The show highlighted programs abd experts in several specialties who are bringing the latest treatments, research and technology to Providence Swedish.

You can watch Larry's TAVR story here.

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.

Information for patients and visitors

Additional resources

At Providence Swedish, comprehensive care for atrial fibrillation

Providence Swedish mental health programs offer intensive, flexible care

The future of cancer research, treatment and care is at Providence Swedish

Unlocking the mysteries of cancer

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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About the Author

The Swedish Heart & Vascular Team is committed to bringing you many years of expertise and experience to help you understand how to prevent, treat and recover from cardiovascular diseases and conditions. From tips to eating better to exercise and everything in between, our clinical experts know how to help you help your heart.
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TAVR was just the right procedure for one patient's "rusty" heart valve

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

Additional resources

About the Author

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TAVR was just the right procedure for one patient's "rusty" heart valve

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

Additional resources

About the Author

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