MD Insider provides a unique inside look into medical conditions and treatments to uncover ground-breaking advances that are truly transforming healthcare. The series features insight from acclaimed cardiologist, Dean Kereiakes, MD, breaking down exciting innovations and treatments available right here in the Tristate. Dr. Kereiakes is the President and Medical Director of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute. In this episode, Dr. Kereiakes and host Clyde Gray discuss innovations in valve replacement and aorta and aortic arch repair with Geoff Answini, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Christ Hospital.
Clyde: There is no question that COVID-19 creates significant challenges for the medical community. However, despite COVID-19, The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute continues to provide technological innovation and groundbreaking treatment options.
Dr. Kereiakes: At The Christ Hospital, we offer a multitude of advanced life-saving treatments and medical devices—many of which our physicians have helped to pioneer. We were the first center in the country to implant the J-Valve and one of the first to implant the JenaValve, both of which are designed to repair leaky aortic valves that are not severely stenotic. Both of these TAVR valves are in trials for FDA approval. In fact, we are the only center in the country to offer both treatments and the only center in our region with an American College of Cardiology approved TAVR center.
Dr. Answini: We have pioneered the use of minimally invasive procedures and new technologies for heart valve replacement. We have the greatest experience in the world with a revolutionary silicone polymer heart valve, designed to have the longevity of a metal valve without requiring blood thinners. This valve is entering clinical trials for FDA approval, and we implant it with minimally invasive techniques. We also have leading-edge technology to repair the aorta and aortic arch without open-heart surgery using specially designed stent grafts. These grafts are more flexible and are designed to protect important branch vessels that supply blood to the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. In fact, our team was the first in the world to use all modules of the Valiant stent graft to repair the aorta from top to bottom without open-heart surgery. At least 80-percent of our cardiac patients either avoid open-heart incisions or receive much smaller, minimally invasive incisions, avoiding a long and painful recovery. Many patients who cannot tolerate traditional open-heart surgery come to us for a second opinion, and we can often prolong and improve their lives with these new devices and minimally invasive surgeries.
Dr. Kereiakes: Advances in the treatment of heart and vascular disease have not paused at The Christ Hospital during the pandemic. As travel has become more challenging, it is comforting to know that patients do not have to travel outside of Cincinnati to get world-class technology and expertise. The Christ Hospital is the destination for leading-edge heart care in the region.
Clyde: Few centers in the country, or even the world, provide the heart and vascular innovation available at The Christ Hospital.
For a second opinion regarding open-heart, valve or aortic surgery, contact a heart & vascular expert at The Christ Hospital.