ENHANCE Early Feasibility Study Looks to Treat Functional Mitral Regurgitation
CINCINNATI (August 17, 2026) – The Christ Hospital Health Network has enrolled its first patient in the ENHANCE Early Feasibility Study. This multicenter clinical trial evaluates the investigational CARLEN System, a novel transcatheter technology designed to treat patients with symptomatic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). The structural heart team enrolled the second patient in the United States.
The study at The Christ Hospital is led by principal investigator Puvi Seshiah, MD, interventional cardiologist and co-investigator Santiago Garcia, MD, director of the Structural Heart Program. FMR occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward through the heart and contributing to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and worsening heart failure.
"We are thrilled to be one of the first sites to take part in this study,” said Dr. Seshiah. “This reflects the strength of our structural heart program and our commitment to advancing the next generation of minimally invasive valve therapies. Clinical trials like ENHANCE EFS allow us to do everything it takes to contribute to the development of innovative technologies while providing eligible patients with access to investigational treatment options that may not be available."
The CARLEN System is designed to support the patient’s existing mitral valve, helping it close properly while preserving its natural motion and function. It is delivered through a minimally invasive transcatheter approach. This clinical trial is made possible through The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education.
“Functional mitral regurgitation can be difficult to treat, particularly for patients whose symptoms persist despite medical therapy,” said Dr. Garcia. “The ENHANCE study allows us to evaluate a new approach designed to support the patient’s existing mitral valve while preserving its natural motion and function. We are proud to help advance research that may expand treatment options for patients in the future.”
The CARLEN System is an investigational device and is not approved for commercial use in any geography.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.
#
- The Christ Hospital Health Network Names New Executive Medical Director of Primary CareRegina Kohls, MD, has been named the Roger and Joyce Howe Distinguished Executive Medical Director of Primary Care for The Christ Hospital Physicians.
- The Christ Hospital Performs World’s First Totally Endoscopic Robotic Replacement of the Ascending AortaJuan B. Umana-Pizano, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute, led the world’s first totally endoscopic robotic replacement of the ascending aorta to treat an aortic aneurysm.
- The Christ Hospital Elevates Nationally Recognized Physicians to Lead the Future of Its Heart & Vascular InstituteThe Christ Hospital Health Network announces a new physician leadership team for its nationally recognized Heart & Vascular Institute, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class cardiovascular care while advancing innovation, research and the next generation of heart and vascular treatment.
- Doctors at The Christ Hospital Perform First-in-the-State Procedure with Recently Approved FDA DevicePhysicians at The Christ Hospital Health Network performed the first-in-the-state electrophysiology procedure using the FDA-Approved Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMART TOUCH SF Platform (DE STSF).
- The Christ Hospital Health Network to Host Free Webinar on HerniasOn Thursday, August 27 at Noon, healthcare providers at The Christ Hospital Health Network will host a free online webinar titled “Conversations for Confidence: Expert Answers on Hernia Care.”
- The Christ Hospital Medical Center - Liberty Township Completes Expansion of Birthing Center8,800 Square-Foot Project Finishes Ahead of Schedule.
- Surgeons at The Christ Hospital Perform First-in-Ohio Procedure for Heart PatientsNew Procedure Benefits Patients Needing Tricuspid Valve Replacement.
