Minimally-invasive procedure saves patients from undergoing open-heart surgery; improves quality of life, in many cases
HARLINGEN, May 2026 – Harlingen Medical Center has performed Harlingen’s first “Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)” – a minimally-invasive procedure which can save patients from having to undergo open-heart surgery, while improving their quality of life, in many cases.
Dr. Shereef Hilmy, Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Harlingen Medical Center, along with Dr. Eduardo Flores of the South Heart Clinic performed the first TAVR replacement in HMC’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The first patient was doing well following the procedure.
“This is much easier for the patient, compared to open-heart surgery,” Dr. Hilmy said. “With TAVR, patients will experience less complications – and an improved life expectancy, in many cases. This is a real improvement in care for patients in the Harlingen area.”
Dr. Flores noted that with the TAVR procedure, patients are treated through two small cuts in the groin area — as opposed to a long incision down the middle of the chest.
“No more cutting on the chest,” he said — adding that most patients with the new procedure are expected to go home after just one or two days in the hospital.
The Medtronic Evolut™ FX+ transcatheter aortic valve replacement is used for treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis, a disease in which a valve to the heart narrows or fails to open fully.
This blockage restricts the flow of blood from the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) to the largest artery in the human body, the aorta. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of the body.
The disease can reduce the patient’s quality of life and limits their ability to participate in daily activities. If the condition is left untreated, many patients with severe aortic stenosis will die from heart failure — often within two years.
The TAVR procedure provides physicians with another option to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis in the Harlingen area.
Todd Mann, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center, said that using innovative technology, like TAVR, has allowed HMC’s teams to achieve “major successes.”
“This shows our commitment to innovation along our cardiology service line,” Mr. Mann said. “We will keep growing this core service, for the benefit of the patients of the Rio Grande Valley. We remain committed to innovation, compassionate service, and above all, to the highest quality of care for our patients.”
Cardiologists at Harlingen Medical Center have pioneered many heart procedures in the Valley. Cardiologists at the South Heart Clinic include Dr. Hugo Blake; Dr. Shereef Hilmy; Dr. Michael Evans; Dr. Eduardo Flores; Dr. Juan Joel Garza; Dr. Frank Mazzola; Dr. David Yardley; Dr. Michael Balderas; Dr. Danielle M. Stone; Dr. James Stone; Dr. Deanna Yamamura; and Dr. Guillermo Salinas.
The cardiologists are supported by a team of specialized technicians, nurses and staff in HMC’s cardiac catheterization laboratory and intensive care units.
Harlingen Medical Center is an award-winning hospital for heart care and has been named a 5-star recipient for pacemaker procedures for six years in a row (2021-2026) by Healthgrades, a national healthcare information company. Also, HMC is the only hospital in Cameron County to be recognized for 5-star care for top patient outcomes by a national magazine, Forbes.
In addition, Harlingen Medical Center is the only hospital in Cameron County which has received the highest rating for patient safety, an “A” grade in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ratings, for 10 times in a row (from 2021 to 2026).
For more information about cardiovascular services at Harlingen Medical Center, please visit https://harlingenmedicalcenter.com/our-services/cardiovascular/, or call (956) 365-1000. For more information on aortic stenosis and the TAVR procedure, please visit: www.myinteractiveasjourney.com.
ABOUT Harlingen Medical Center
Harlingen Medical Center is an award-winning hospital serving Cameron County and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley community. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care through advanced services, experienced physicians, and a continued focus on patient safety and outcomes.