CIS Is First to Use Evolut FX to Treat Severe Aortic Stenosis

HOUMA, LA - Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the first in Louisiana to use the latest generation of Medtronic's self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system, the Evolut FX, designed to enhance ease-of-use and predictable valve deployment when treating severe aortic stenosis.

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Peter Fail was the first to use this new system at Terrebonne General Health System on August 30 with assistance from cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Donald Netherland. Dr. Fail and Netherland are part of a distinguished limited market release and are one of the very first teams in the country to use this advanced technology. 

The Evolut FX system incorporates the same supra-annular valve design that has shown hemodynamic performance superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) across large-scale, randomized clinical trials. The fourth-generation Evolut technology is equipped with gold markers built into the frame to provide implanters with direct visualization of depth and valve leaflet location during implant. In addition, the Evolut FX system incorporates a redesigned catheter tip for a smoother insertion profile, a more flexible delivery system that allows for 360-degree freedom of motion, with a stable, predictable deployment. The newest system includes four valve sizes for the largest indicated patient treatment range and the lowest delivery profile currently on the market.

Severe aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve leaflets become stiff and thickened and have difficulty opening and closing, making the heart work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body and, therefore, impacting an individual’s daily activities. If left untreated, patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis can die from heart failure in as little as two years. Symptoms of aortic stenosis may include breathlessness, chest pressure or tightness, fainting, palpitations or heart murmur.

“The FX platform allows for a more stable delivery of the valve, while the added markers on the valve permit better alignment with the native anatomy,” said Dr. Fail. 

Learn more about this technology. Schedule an appointment at CIS by visiting cardio.com.
 

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease, venous disease and interventional procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 1,150 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 21 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 10 telemedicine programs. CIS has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare for three years in a row. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 39 years of excellence.  For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.
 

About Terrebonne General Health System 
Terrebonne General Health System is the largest healthcare resource provider in southeast Louisiana that has taken the lead to deliver medical excellence and innovation to the people of Southeast Louisiana.   Driven by a "high tech" and "high touch" style of healing that offers an expansive range of services that provide hospital care and preventive care while also providing basic healthcare needs on and offsite. Our highly skilled healthcare team consists of over 1,500 employees, with over 450 medical staff providers that offer 42 various specialties. Our system has been honored with many prestigious awards and accolades for quality, safety, and patient experience on the state, national and international levels. Terrebonne General took the lead to initiate a public/private partnership with Ochsner Health which delivers crucial safety-net services for the region through Chabert Medical Center and is part of an alliance of healthcare-focused entities across the greater Gulf South region. For more information, please visit www.tghealthsystem.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.