CINCINNATI (June 30, 2025) – The Christ Hospital Health Network and InterShunt Technologies, Inc., a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive treatments for heart failure, has officially kicked off its latest clinical study, the EASE HF2 Early Feasibility Study, which is evaluating a device designed to reduce heart failure symptoms and improve quality of life.
The first U.S. procedure utilizing InterShunt’s technology was performed by Dr. Sitaramesh Emani and the Structural Heart Intervention Team at The Christ Hospital Health Network and The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education. “We’re excited to get this study started,” said Dr. Emani. “The first procedure went smoothly, and the patient went home the next day feeling well. It’s an encouraging start, and we’re hopeful this treatment can help many more people.”
The study focuses on patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), a condition where the heart does not pump as well as it should, leading to excessive pressure within the heart. Current treatments do not work for everyone, and this new approach could offer a better option.
The device works by creating a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers to relieve pressure that builds up in heart failure. It uses a mechanical cutting method that avoids scarring and allows the heart to move naturally.
“This first enrollment is a big step for our team and for people living with heart failure. We are incredibly thankful to the patient, their family, and the team at The Christ Hospital for making this possible.” said Harlee Sorkin, CEO of InterShunt Technologies. “Because the procedure leaves nothing behind in the heart, it avoids the risks of permanent implants and keeps future treatment options open.”
Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization among adults over 65, accounting for up to 5% of Medicare spending. The majority of patients don’t get adequate relief from current medications. Lowering pressure in the heart’s left atrium has been shown to ease symptoms and improve quality of life for some patients.
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, eight ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 135 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,200 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 #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2025.
About InterShunt Technologies, Inc.
InterShunt is developing a proprietary catheter system that securely captures and excises a defined piece of tissue from the interatrial septum. The result is a left to right atrial shunt that offloads elevated left atrial pressure, reducing symptoms in heart failure patients. The mechanical system is designed for safety and ease of use and is the only interatrial shunting device that doesn’t use implants or energy. Learn more: https://www.intershunt.com/ The EASE HF2 study will enroll 20 patients at up to six U.S. sites. It offers a novel way to reduce elevated left atrial pressure and improve symptoms like shortness of breath in people with HFrEF.