The Structural Heart Program at Via Christi St. Francis is the first site in Kansas to treat a patient in the JOURNEY IDE clinical trial evaluating the Edwards J-Valve Transfemoral (TF) System for the treatment of severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Interventional cardiologist Bassem Chehab, MD and cardiothoracic surgeon Brett Grizzell, MD FACS, Co-Medical Directors of the Via Christi Structural Heart Program, are the leading investigators for this important trial at Via Christi.
AR occurs when the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward. Severe AR can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. If left untreated, AR can seriously weaken the heart.
“A novel treatment for this disease has eluded us for decades. Up until now, the only treatment for a leaky aortic valve has been surgical. There is potential for this technology to expand the scope of our available options to treat this disease, and we are proud to be at the forefront of evaluating this promising new technology for patients with severe aortic regurgitation,” said Dr. Chehab.
The Edwards J-Valve TF System is being studied as a less invasive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients with severe AR, sometimes combined with a narrowing of the aortic valve. The J-Valve System is delivered through a small tube called a catheter inserted through an incision in the groin and guided to the heart for placement. Unlike open heart surgery, this procedure often allows patients to avoid being put on a breathing tube or a heart-lung bypass machine.
Dr. Grizzell said, “Current treatment options for high-risk patients with AR are limited. This pioneering clinical trial offers the potential for a less invasive approach without the need to have our patients travel to other faraway centers in the nation.”
With its commitment to patient-centered care, Via Christi is the leading choice in south-central Kansas for inpatient cardiac care based on patient volumes.
Via Christi CEO Kevin Strecker said, “We’re extremely proud of our participation in this clinical trial. With this and over 50 other ongoing cardiovascular and structural heart trials globally, our cardiac team is demonstrating Via Christi’s commitment to advancing the treatment of complex heart conditions through research and innovation.”
