Our state-of-the-art endovascular suite features leading edge technology and offers some of the most advanced non-invasive diagnostic testing and interventional treatments. Along with screening programs, outreach programs and patient family support, these services are used to treat a range of vascular conditions, including:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• Varicose and Spider Veins
• Venous Skin Ulcers

Our comprehensive heart and vascular procedures include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Echocardiogram (Echo)
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Tilt Table Test
• Electrophysiology Study
• Cardiac Catheterization (also called Coronary Angiogram)
• Ultrasound (IVUS)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
• Thallium Scans
• Myocardial Perfusion Scans
• MUGA Scans/Radionuclide Angiography (RNA) Scans

• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
• Coronary Angioplasty
• Atherectomy
• Valvuloplasty
• Coronary Stenting

• Cardiopulmonary Bypass
• Coronary Artery Bypass
• Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass
• Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass
• Pacemaker
• Valve Replacement

At Providence Little Company of Mary, our heart specialists provide treatments that reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with cardiovascular procedures. These low-risk procedures, such as TAVR, are provided by our teams of cardiologists, heart surgeons and specialists with expertise in valve disease.

TAVR is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to replace a diseased and restricting aortic valve with a new valve.

TAVR is used as a means to eliminate aortic stenosis. As your heart pumps blood throughout your body, the aortic valve helps regulate the flow. When someone is suffering from aortic stenosis, the leaflets of the valve calcify and thicken. The expanding leaflets restrict blood flow, forcing the heart to work harder and exhaust itself.

Unlike open heart surgery, which requires opening the sternum and stopping the heart, TAVR works by replacing the existing aortic valve via a small incision in the groin (transfemoral procedure) or chest (transapical procedure). Because TAVR is a minimally invasive and low-risk procedure, it’s the most viable option available for those who cannot forego the risks of open-heart surgery.

Due to the laparoscopic nature of the procedure, TAVR allows for minimal blood loss and smaller chance of infection at the incision site, resulting in faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays. TAVR helps improve the symptoms related to aortic stenosis and immediately helps improve patients’ quality of life.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is an individualized program designed to fit the specific needs of patients with coronary heart disease. This is a medically prescribed program requiring a physician's order.

Led by cardiac rehab specialists, registered nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians, the program consists of three phases that include risk factor modification, individualized cardiovascular exercise, education, and emotional support.

• Phase I: an Inpatient Program
• Phase II: a Monitored Outpatient Program
• Phase III: a Maintenance Program

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, call 310-303-7070.

Providence Little Company of Mary Cardiac Rehab
20929 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503

For cardiac patients, family and friends to meet and provide mutual support and discuss concerns and problems.

Location: Providence Little Company of Mary Outpatient Center
20929 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance 90503

For dates and information contact Yvonne Hashimoto, RN, at 310-303-7070.

PEP Pioneers is a nationally certified education program providing help and general information for those with chronic respiratory disease through education, research, and information.

Location: Providence Little Company of Mary Outpatient Center
20929 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance 90503

For dates and information, call 310-303-7079.

Earl Takata, an active 50 year old, describes himself as a "weekend warrior." Little did he know his warrior days would be used to fight an enemy he didn't even know he had – heart disease. Read more about how a stent saved his life.