Researchers at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern Memorial Hospital are investigating a new percutaneous (minimally invasive approach through the skin) technique for implanting a prosthetic (artificial) valve inside the stenotic aortic valve. A stenotic aortic valve is narrowed, not allowing an adequate amount of blood to exit the heart, potentially resulting in heart failure. This investigational trial - the PARTNER Trial: Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valves - is only offered to participants who are considered high risk (too ill) to undergo conventional open-heart surgery.
Cardiac surgeon, Patrick M. McCarthy, MD and interventional cardiologist, Charles J. Davidson, MD are the principal investigators evaluating a percutaneous implantation procedure that combines minimally invasive surgical techniques and catheter-based technology to bypass the need for conventional open-heart surgery. Additional researchers invloved in the placement of the prosthetic valve include interventional cardiologist Nirat Beohar, MD and cardiac surgeon S. Chris Malaisrie, MD.
Delivery (placement) of the prosthetic valve into the body occurs in a hybrid operating room that incorporates elements of both a traditional operating room and catheterization laboratory. The procedure uses expandable-stenting technology that allows insertion of the prosthetic valve while the heart is still beating, eliminating the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and its associated risks.
Delivery of the prosthetic valve is done either with the transfemoral approach (through the leg) or the transapical approach (between the ribs of the chest). During delivery, the prosthetic valve remains compressed until it reaches the aortic valve, at which time it is expanded with a balloon and opened within the diseased aortic valve. The delivery catheter is then removed and the transcatheter (prosthetic) valve has replaced the native valve and functions in its place. The prosthetic valve is made of three bovine pericardial tissue leaflets (biological material derived from cows) mounted on a stainless steel expandable stent. The leaflets help direct the flow of blood in the heart.
The prosthetic valve is an investigational device, which means the valve is being studied and not for sale commercially. Data is being collected on the valve for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Videos and images courtesy of Edwards Lifesciences.
Contact
For more information regarding percutaneous aortic valve replacement, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at (866) 662-8467, or contact Kerry Madden, RN, clinical research nurse at (312) 695-1806 or e-mail at kmadden@nmh.org.
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