Karl Mohler

Karl Mohler and his wife are preparing to celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary. They're thinking about a trip to the Bahamas. In 2012, however, he wasn't sure he would see another year.

Karl was diagnosed with kidney disease several years ago. As it turned out, that diagnosis may have saved his life. While undergoing testing to determine his readiness for a kidney transplant, his physician found another diagnosis that shocked him: aortic stenosis. His aorta was slowly tightening, cutting off the flow of oxygen rich blood to the body. If nothing was done, the condition would kill him.

The solution was obvious but frightening for Mohler. His aortic valve would have to be replaced. He would not be allowed a kidney transplant until that happened.

Mohler made an appointment with a cardiologist and received grim news. "The first doctor I talked to, he said, ‘We will have to pop your chest open.'"

Mohler's wife was certain there had to be another way. She began researching aortic stenosis on the internet and found the Dallas Valve Institute at Medical City. The institute's cardiovascular team can replace the patient's diseased aortic valve without ever opening the chest. The new valve is placed inside a catheter, inserted through a small incision, and guided through arteries to the heart. It's referred to as a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

On Jan. 3, 2013, Mohler underwent his TAVR procedure. "I felt great after surgery," he said. "I went home in about a week." With his heart problem successfully treated, Mohler received his kidney transplant in August. Today, he's looking forward to the future, remodeling his home, and enjoying time with his wife. "It's amazing what they can do," said Mohler. "I feel like they gave me my life back."