Trinity performs innovative heart valve procedure

Trinity Health has announced its first two Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures in the northwest North Dakota region's history were successfully performed recently.

The clinical leadership of Drs. Isaac Tea and Samir Turk, both interventional cardiologists, and Peter Mikhail, cardiothoracic surgeon, helped bring this transformational procedure to the region, according to Trinity. Both procedures were performed by Tea and Dr. Sean Russell, cardiothoracic surgeon.

The innovative, advanced TAVR procedure is a minimally invasive procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis, in which the heart's aortic valve has become narrowed or stiff. This procedure utilizes a catheter that goes through a small incision in the leg/groin area to replace the damaged heart valve without needing to remove it.

"Dr. Tea's and Dr. Russell's leadership in performing Trinity Health's first TAVR procedures marks a significant milestone for our cardiac program and organization. This program is about expanding access to advanced cardiac care. Patients with severe aortic stenosis in our region have often had to travel significant distances to receive this type of advanced heart treatment," said Amy Bergrude, Service Line administrator, Cardiovascular & Orthopedic Services, at Trinity Health. "Bringing TAVR to the Minot region allows patients to receive this care closer to home and their families. It took tremendous collaboration across our cardiovascular program to reach this milestone, and we are very proud of what this means for patients throughout our region."

Expanding access to care through the addition of the TAVR program was made possible by community support at the Trinity Health Foundation Heart of Gold Fundraising Gala in March 2026.