02/06/2026
One Year of TAVR at NEA Baptist! A year ago, we took an important step for Northeast Arkansas; launching a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) program right here at NEA Baptist.
Since then, neighbors, friends, parents, and grandparents have been able to receive advanced, life-saving heart valve care close to home in the community they love.
This milestone belongs to a team.
To our heart team, interventional cardiologists, Dr. Nephertiti Efeovbokhan and Dr. Lena Awar, cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Damon Kennedy and Dr. Richard Stevenson, the visionary responsible for bringing this program to life, our structural heart nurse navigator, anesthesiologists, imaging specialists, cath lab and OR staff, ICU and floor nurses, clinic staff, administration, and everyone behind the scenes; thank you. Every successful case reflects countless hours of preparation, coordination, and commitment to doing what’s right for our patients.
To our industry partners, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Abbott, thank you for standing beside us as true collaborators. You provide technology, training, case support, and clinical insight that allows us to deliver the best possible care tailored to each patient’s anatomy and needs. Your partnership helps ensure that patients in Northeast Arkansas have access to the same innovations offered in major cities.
Most importantly, thank you to our patients and families who placed their trust in us.
This program was built with one goal: To bring world-class heart valve care home, so no one has to leave their community to get the care they deserve.
We are proud of what we’ve built together, and we’re just getting started. ❤️
