SCRANTON, Pa. – During American Heart Month, Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) is highlighting its commitment to cardiovascular health by marking a major milestone: more than 500 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures performed at the Scranton hospital.
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat patients with aortic valve disease, often allowing for shorter recovery times and reduced hospital stays compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Reaching this milestone reflects the growing demand for advanced heart care in northeastern Pennsylvania and Geisinger’s ongoing investment in delivering that care close to home.
“For many patients, TAVR can be life-changing,” said Yassir Nawaz, M.D., director of interventional cardiology in Geisinger’s northeast region and practitioner at Geisinger Community Medical Center. “It allows us to replace narrowed heart valves by feeding a catheter through an artery that leads to the heart. Because the procedure requires only a puncture rather than a major incision, patients return to their daily lives more quickly while remaining near their families and support systems.”
As cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading health concerns nationwide, American Heart Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care. Geisinger clinicians work closely with patients to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease through education, screenings and personalized treatment plans.
“This milestone represents Geisinger Community Medical Center’s commitment to providing the best care for Scranton and Lackawanna County,” said Nick Coleman, associate vice president of clinical operations in Geisinger’s northeast region. “Our expertise in interventional cardiology is one of the many reasons we’ve becomes a destination for care for so many in our community and beyond.”
Throughout February, Geisinger Community Medical Center will continue sharing heart health resources and information to encourage residents to prioritize cardiovascular wellness and take proactive steps toward healthier lives.
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 500 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.