Regina General Hospital’s Cardiac Cath Lab celebrates 500th TAVI procedure
On June 10, the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Regina General Hospital celebrated its 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) — a milestone reflecting its commitment to advanced, patient-centered cardiac care in southern Saskatchewan.
TAVI is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for severe aortic stenosis, where a narrowed valve limits blood flow and increases heart failure risk. A catheter delivers a new valve to the heart using real-time X-ray imaging, restoring normal blood flow and significantly improving breathing, energy, and quality of life.
Since launching in 2017 with 25 high-risk cases, the program has expanded to complete more than 100 procedures annually. Efficiency has doubled from three to six cases per day, with recovery advancing from ICU stays to next-day — and soon, same-day — discharges.
This success is thanks to a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including Drs. Booker, Dehghani, and Korkola, along with TAVI coordinators, registered nurses, cardiovascular technologists, and support staff.
The milestone also reflects the vital support of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and its donors, whose contributions of more than $4.5 million have helped upgrade both catheterization labs. Their investment is helping deliver life-saving and life-changing procedures to patients across Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
Reaching 500 TAVI cases marks a milestone in transforming lives through innovation, collaboration, and excellence in care. This team exemplifies the SHA’s CARES values of compassion, accountability, respect, equity, and safety every day through the care they provide.
Together, innovation, collaboration, and compassion are transforming cardiac care in Saskatchewan—one heartbeat at a time.
Cardiac Cath Lab team following 500th TAVI procedure on June 10. From front left: Sara Smalley, Susan Escott, Crystal Sommer, Lauren Didowycz, Scott MacDonald; Susan Newcombe; Kelsey Koszman; Sue Partaik; Trina Grohs; Lindsay Dusselier; Brittany Hart; Danielle Pellerin; Rheanna Len; Pam Harty; Dr. Payman Dehghani; Susan Latrace; Cale Dalshaug; Sheena Neibrandt; Josh Knight; and Dr. Jeff Booker