Buffalo General Medical Center Celebrates Milestone 4,000th TAVR Procedure, Honoring Buffalo Bills Legend Wray Carlton

Released: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 7:05 PM

Buffalo General Medical Center Celebrates Milestone 4,000th TAVR Procedure, Honoring Buffalo Bills Legend Wray Carlton

Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute (BGMC/GVI) is proud to announce the completion of its 4,000th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, solidifying its position as the leading center for TAVR in Western New York and one of the top hospitals in the U.S. for this advanced heart procedure. Marking this momentous milestone was a distinguished patient, 87-year-old Wray Carlton, former Duke University football player, fullback for the Buffalo Bills and a pivotal player in the team's historic AFL championship victories in 1964 and 1965.

For Carlton, a native of Wallace, North Carolina, who became a beloved figure in Buffalo sports history, this procedure was about more than enhancing his health; it was about staying active and engaged with his loving family, which includes his wife, three children, and 13 grandchildren.

"Family has always been at the heart of what I do," Carlton shared. "This procedure gives me the energy and strength to continue being a part of their lives - and to keep sharing those championship memories." Carlton's journey through life and football reflects resilience and dedication, making him a fitting symbol for this milestone achievement at BGMC/GVI.

The TAVR procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, allowing patients with severe aortic stenosis, like Carlton, to undergo valve replacement with minimal recovery time. Carlton's procedure underscores BGMC/GVI's commitment to advanced cardiac care that prioritizes both cutting-edge technology and the quality of life for its patients.

"Wray Carlton's legacy in Buffalo is remarkable," said Vijay Iyer, MD, PhD, interventional cardiologist, director of the Structural Heart Program at Kaleida Health and Great Lakes Cardiovascular, and chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. "To be able to support his health in a way that allows him to continue sharing that legacy with his family is truly special for us."

As the 4,000th TAVR patient, Carlton's story adds a personal dimension to BGMC/GVI's achievement, highlighting how modern medicine can provide new chapters for cherished memories and experiences. Carlton, who became a household name for Buffalo fans decades ago, reflected on his deep connection to the city: "Buffalo has always felt like home. It's where I raised my three kids. It's where I've spent the better part of my adult life. To receive this care here, surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, is something I'm truly grateful for."

"Reaching this milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing heart care in Western New York," said Dr. Iyer. "Over the last 12 years, TAVR has transformed the landscape of cardiac care, allowing us to offer a safe, effective alternative to open-heart surgery for patients with aortic stenosis. Each of the 4,000 procedures we've performed represents a life changed and often a life saved. We've seen firsthand how TAVR provides patients with a quicker recovery, an improved quality of life, and, for many, the chance to return to the activities they love. I'm incredibly proud of our team's dedication to delivering this world-class level of care to our community and honored to help patients like Wray who hold a special place in our community's heart. We look forward to continuing to lead in this field and offer hope to even more patients in the years ahead."

BGMC/GVI's Structural Heart Program has consistently achieved some of the highest TAVR volumes in the region, with outcomes that rank among the best in the nation. As a center of excellence, BGMC/GVI brings together top-tier cardiac specialists and advanced technology, providing life-changing options to thousands of patients who would otherwise face limited treatment alternatives. This dedication to excellence was recognized in September by the American College of Cardiology, which commended BGMC/GVI for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to quality care for patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures.

For more information about TAVR and other advanced cardiovascular treatments available at BGMC/GVI, please visit buffalogeneral.org or call (716) 859-2401.